The future of Brighton and Hove Albion's proposed new stadium at Falmer is now in the hands of John Prescott.

The Deputy Prime Minister will make a final decision after the long-running public inquiry, which began in February, closed yesterday.

The planning inspector's report is expected to arrive at Mr Prescott's office in the first week of January.

His decision is expected later in the year.

The club, which has spent £1.3 million presenting its case at the inquiry, said the proposed stadium, at Village Way North, Falmer, represented the sporting hopes and aspirations of Brighton and Hove.

The hearing's final two weeks examined road widening proposals and other highways work, which would be needed before the University of Brighton agreed to support the project.

The university, which owns about one third of the stadium site, will only continue to back the scheme if its concerns are met.

All other matters relating to the stadium were completed when the inquiry's main session ended in June.

In his closing address, Jonathan Clay, representing the club, said the project was "far superior" with the university's support.

He said the roadworks were minimal and would have occurred automatically if Village Way was not a private road.

He said: "The benefits in terms of safety, traffic regulation and segregation make for a smoother, better and safer access to the stadium.

"All of this is achieved by minor works and minor damage to the environment."

Robert White, representing Lewes District Council, one of the chief objectors, said the roadworks would increase the stadium's environmental impact.

He said: "There is simply no planning justification for inflicting extra harm on the area of outstanding natural beauty in order to resolve the commercial dispute between the University of Brighton and the football club."

Tom Carr, of Falmer Parish Council, said the stadium and roadworks would harm the proposed South Downs national park and the rural character of the village.

Friday October 24, 2003