Lighting on new roads at Brighton and Hove Albion's proposed stadium would reduce existing light pollution by about 90 per cent, a public inquiry heard.

Expert Ken Wade said that claims new lights at Village Way and at a roundabout at the junction with the B2123 would increase glare were "completely unfounded".

He said the street lights were suitable for a rural area and would shine towards the road.

He said: "The intention of the proposals is actually to light the surface rather than a lot of light being spread around."

Mr Wade was among noise, light and landscape experts giving evidence for the club at the inquiry into its proposed 22,000-seat stadium at Village Way North, Falmer.

But Robert White, representing Lewes District Council, said new lighting on Village Way would be visible from many parts of the Downs.

He said the environment statement provided by the club did not reflect the visual impact of proposed new street lights.

The final two weeks of the long-running hearing is examining the club's revised road proposals, needed before the project was backed by the University of Brighton.

Planning inspector John Collyer expects to send his report to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott before the end of the year.

A final decision is not expected until early 2004.