City planners are backing a change by Brighton and Hove Albion to its proposals for a stadium at Falmer.

In June, Brighton and Hove City Council approved in principle controversial plans by the football club for a community stadium at Village Way North.

They have since been called in by the Government for a public inquiry which will be held next year.

As part of the application, Albion included a transport interchange on the south side of Village Way.

Planners accepted the need for the interchange but were concerned about the site on an open area of downland.

They asked the club to submit a separate application to Lewes District Council for a site north of Village Way.

The reason for the request is that the new site comes within Lewes District Council's area rather than within Brighton and Hove.

This application has now been submitted and the planning committee at Brighton and Hove has recommended approval by Lewes.

Labour councillor Les Hamilton said the site was better in many ways including safety.

Tory councillor Carol Theobald said it was a much better site than the original, which intruded into the Downs.

Lewes councillors are expected to consider the scheme next month.