Backers of Brighton and Hove Albion's new stadium played down the difficulties building at Falmer, according to opponents of the scheme.
Neither the club nor Brighton and Hove City Council attached sufficient significance to the "intimidating array" of problems associated with the project, it was said in closing submissions to the public inquiry into the scheme.
The main opponents of building the 22,000-seat stadium at Village Way North said it should be rejected.
Charlie Hopkins, representing Falmer and Rottingdean parish councils, said the council granted planning permission on the "flimsiest of financial information".
He said the project was for the benefit of a private company and presenting it as a community stadium was a "thoroughly cynical" exercise.
Robert White, representing Lewes District Council, said: "Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club has steadfastly refused to provide, in the public domain, any detailed business case for proper scrutiny beyond mere assurances from the chief executive that the necessary finance can be raised."
The closing submissions by the club and the council will be made today.
Friday June 13, 2003
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