Brighton and Hove Albion's plans for a new stadium at Falmer have been called in by the Government for a full public inquiry.

The decision, announced this afternoon by planning minister Lord Rooker, means fans will have to wait at least until 2004 for the stadium to open.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott will now have the final say on whether the ground should be built at Village Way North, Falmer.

The club's chief executive Martin Perry today said he was disappointed by the decision.

But environmental campaigners, who had demanded an independent inquiry, have welcomed the opportunity for a full review of the plan.

The hearing is expected to start early next year and the planning inspector is unlikely to hand over his report before mid-2003.

Mr Perry said: "We're disappointed we now have to wait another year before our plans are approved because we're desperately in need of our new stadium.

"However, the inquiry process will allow the fullest public consultation into the plans and it will substantially reduce the risk of any further challenges by opponents who are simply out to scupper the scheme and the Albion."

In June Brighton and Hove City Council's planning committee gave the stadium planning permission in principle by 11 votes to one, subject to more than 30 conditions.

The club's plan to build at Falmer has provoked enormous interest since it was first unveiled more than three years ago.

More than 60,000 people signed a petition in support of the application before it was considered by the council.

Opposition has been almost equally fierce, with an array of environmental groups lining-up to condemn the proposal.

The stadium is expected to be ready in time for the start of the 2004/05 football season if the inquiry finds in its favour.

Paul Samrah, who chairs the campaign group Falmer for All, said there was a robust planning case to support building the stadium.

He said: "We are extremely confident of winning and putting forward our case, which is supported by thousands of people across the county."

More on the Albion and Falmer at thisisthealbion.co.uk