It's a triumph for football supporters Brighton chairman Dick Knight

"This is fantastic news for the club - but it isn't green for go just yet," Perry told the Seagulls' website.

"We've already had one false dawn, as our supporters already know too well.

"We will have to wait until early September to see whether the decision is legally challenged by our opponents, which could cause more delays."

Interview: Brighton chairman Dick Knight

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Brighton's six-year wait for a new stadium

After then Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott originally approved the plans in October 2005, Lewes District Council launched a legal challenge.

However, in April 2006, the Government were forced to quash Prescott's decision after an error was revealed in his approval letter.

Perry added: "I hope Lewes District Council and Falmer Parish Council will now work with the club to ensure that the stadium is built and operates in a way which minimises disruption and maximises the social and economic benefits for Lewes as well as the rest of Sussex."

Chairman Dick Knight described the decision as "a triumph for football supporters".

When we get the stadium up and running it's reasonable to target the Championship Brighton chairman Dick Knight

"We have had great support from clubs up and down the country - the power of sport can unite people," he told BBC Southern Counties Radio.

"We have proved at Withdean the club can reside in a strange community.

"The stadium at Falmer will be far less intrusive, despite it holding more people. It'll be a wonderful, iconic, building for the city."

The Seagulls chief also feels off-field progress can bring on-field success.

"When we get the stadium up and running it's reasonable to target the Championship," he added.