Environmental campaigners have welcomed a planning inspector's ruling a community stadium should not be built at Falmer.

Brighton and Hove Albion fans are protesting against the move by Eric Hoile, who held a public inquiry last year into the city's planning blueprint.

But Friends of the Earth said it welcomed his comments on the Falmer stadium.

Brighton, Hove and Mid Sussex spokesman Chris Todd said: "It is pleasing to see the inspector recognises the importance of protecting the South Downs, a nationally important landscape."

Mr Todd said the inspector had also supported the city council's proposal not to search for a park-and-ride site north of the Brighton bypass.

He said: "We see this as firmly backing the group's stance on development on the Downs, particularly in the area of outstanding natural beauty and the future South Downs national park.

"This report should act as a major wake-up call to those trying to build on the Downs.

"While the final decision on the football stadium is yet to be made, the inspector has supported the council's policy of not developing a park-and-ride site north of the A27.

"It is clear now that pursuing park-and-ride at Braypool is most likely to fail. Continuing with this obsession will only waste energy and public money.

"It would be much better to channel this effort into seeking sustainable solutions to our city's transport problems.

"While the council may have some good transport policies, all too often it is failing in its delivery.

"Major improvements could be achieved were the political will there to do so. Hopefully this report will lead to a real shift in thinking."

Lewes District Council also welcomed the inspector's report.

Neil Commin, the authority's lead councillor for planning and ward councillor for Falmer, said: "I welcome the Local Plan inspector's conclusion that the Falmer site is unsuitable for a football stadium.

"He has listened to all the evidence and arrived at sound conclusions.

"The big decision on the planning application is yet to come.

"However, the planning policy recommendations from the inspector must mean it is harder than ever to justify a football stadium on this sensitive site at Falmer."