Brighton and Hove Albion could be running out in a new stadium at Falmer in two years.

The club says it now wants to build the 22,000-seater community bowl in one go rather than in four phases over ten years.

Brighton and Hove City Council's planning committee last night received an update on the scheme it approved last June.

Seagulls directors had said only the main stand would be built initially, with the other stands following as finance was gathered.

But the club is nowconfident it can build the entire stadium in one, minimising disruption to residents and the environment.

Chief executive Martin Perry said: "This is a decision which has been taken since we took the whole scheme to planning last June.

"There were issues raised about what the impact would be if we built it in phases. So we took another look and decided it is better, for a number of reasons, to try to build it in one go.

"None of the finance is secured because we cannot secure it until we have planning consent.

"But a scheme has been put forward that we would be able to see through to completion.

"The stadium itself is no different. The planning committee resolved it wasminded to grant permission but asked us to bring back the plans when there was more detail.

"We have now done that and covered each of the issues raised. It was important to get it back to the committee prior to the public inquiry commencing so we can say we have provided all the information to the council and it backs us."

The council's planning policy manager Nigel Green said: "The club has submitted a revised programme showing the development constructed in one phase, reducing the overall construction period to two years."

He added: "It will also mean there is less disruption because it will be built far more quickly."

The planning inquiry is due to start on February 18, lasting about seven weeks.

The inspector will issue a report and recommendation to the Secretary of State later in the year. The club is hoping for a final decision in September or October.

If the scheme is approved, the Albion must tie up deals with landowners including the city council and Brighton University before work can start.

The council will seek to impose a condition that no work should start until appropriate funding has been secured.