Brighton and Hove Albion's directors are confident they can overcome the latest hurdle to their plans for a new community stadium.

Last week, the University of Brighton made a surprise interjection at the public inquiry into the Falmer proposals.

It said it still supported the plans for a 22,000-seater ground in principle but needed assurances the arena would not affect the running and security of its campus.

Albion chairman Dick Knight has now told The Argus he is sure any problems can be ironed out.

The inquiry, which had already been running for six weeks, was adjourned last Friday until June.

Mr Knight said the break was "unfortunate" but provided the opportunity for negotiations to continue with the university.

Mr Knight said: "We have been in negotiations for months and it is up to us, Brighton and Hove City Council and the university to come together for the good of the city.

"It is absolutely vital for a city like Brighton and Hove to have a stadium. The club itself is the catalyst that has put this on the local agenda."

The club has been supported at the inquiry by the likes of television presenter Des Lynam and David Davies, acting head of the Football Association. Brighton and Hove City Council also backs the plans.

However, Lewes District Council and Falmer Parish Council are fighting the scheme, which lies on the edge of the proposed South Downs national park boundary.

Mr Knight said he felt the inquiry was going well.

He said: "It is clearly a protracted and complex process.

As far as we can tell, our progress in the inquiry has been good.

"Our case has been rigorously cross-examined but it remains a very strong one.

"Clearly it is unfortunate this recess has had to take place but the inspector has had to follow protocol.

"The club and the council are confident we will get this stadium for the city of Brighton and Hove."

A spokeswoman for the university said its position remained as last week, when vice chancellor Sir David Watson said: "Regrettably, the university is no longer confident satisfactory agreements will be reached by the close of the inquiry, as had been intended by all parties.

"In the absence of agreement, the university will have insufficient safeguards that its concerns will be addressed should planning permission for a stadium be granted, and will need to make the inspector aware directly of our concerns.

"The university is willing to work with the council and the club, during the inquiry recess, in an attempt to recover common ground."