General Interest

Brighton and Hove Albion fans are celebrating after their dream came true - official backing for a brand new stadium.

The club have been without a permanent home for twelve years after its Goldstone Ground was sold for redevelopment in 1995.

But today's decision means that a new 23,000-seater stadium can be built at Falmer on the outskirts of the city on the edge of the South Downs.

The Seagulls say that their present pitch, an athletics ground in Withdean, can only hold 7,000 of their estimated 30,000 fans.

But controversy over the planned site saw brought opposition from some local people and environmental groups, leading to a public inquiry which lasted for two years.

And in 2006 the then Local Government Secretary Ruth Kelly called for alternative sites to be reconsidered.