A REFERENDUM is to be held to decide whether Albion's new stadium should be built at Falmer.

Ratepayers will receive a voting slip to coincide with May 6 local council elections.

The step follows confirmation last night that Brighton and Hove Council's ruling Labour group have chosen Falmer as the best venue for Albion.

Council leader Lord Bassam said: "This is a bold decision by Labour members to back, as a prefered site, the Falmer option.

"We have stuck to our promise and made our view clear.

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"Given the public interest in the issue and the strategic nature of the choice, we feel it is right for the public to be given the opportunity to pass judgement.

"This will give a further boost to those who, like Labour, want to bring home the Albion. The referendum will enable the public to express a view and determine once and for all the level of community commitment to the club."

Lord Bassam added: "In many ways this is a historic decision by Labour. Never before has a major party backed the club so emphatically while also being determined to let people have a say and offer a test of public opinion.

"If Falmer is to be Albion's home, then what better way to get public blessing and support than through the ballot box?"

There is all-party support for the site in Village Way North, despite opposition from Falmer Parish Council and villagers.

Coun Eric Huxham, chairman of Falmer Parish Council, said: "We are totally opposed to it - the site they are talking about is the last green buffer separating us from Brighton.

"We already have enough parking problems here and the roads just won't be able to cope. We've written to Brighton and Hove Council saying we totally object."

Lewes District councillor Neil Commin, whose ward covers the proposed site, said:"This scheme contravenes our planning policies because this is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty."

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And John Woodruff, landlord of the village's Swan Inn, said: "I've lived in the village all my life and I don't want things ruined here.

"The site they are looking at is a quarter of a mile from here and none of us wants the grief which goes with a football ground."

The Seagulls plan a 25,000 capacity stadium incorporating 5,000 terrace places.

The first phase will include an 8,000-seat stand plus executive boxes on one side of the pitch, with standing room for 2,500 behind each goal.

The stadium will not be ready before 2002 and the planning application is certain to be called in by the Government.

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