Downs-lovers have employed a lawyer to fight the Albion's plans for a community stadium.

The Society of Sussex Downsmen says the planning solicitor will be engaged during a public inquiry expected to be held at the end of the year.

Albion have put in two applications to Brighton and Hove City Council for sites at Village Way North and South at Falmer. They will be considered by the planning committee in June.

The society has submitted formal objections both to the applications and the Local Plan policy which would allow a community stadium in the area.

In a report, the society said: "We consider the massive scale of the proposed stadium would be entirely out of keeping with this downland site.

"The intensive use of the proposed facilities envisaged throughout the week and not simply on match days would have a serious impact on the enjoyment of this part of the Downs for walking, riding and other quiet recreational activities.

"We are not hostile to the club's ambitions but we feel strongly this is the wrong site for the new stadium they are seeking."

The society has set aside £15,000 for possible legal expenses in fighting the proposed Falmer stadium.

Other organisations have backed the Downsmen's views including the Sussex Downs Conservation Board.