Albion bid to stay at Withdean until 2005

The city council's culture committee will meet on February 6 to consider an application by the club to stay at Withdean Stadium, Brighton, until June 2005.

Albion said the extra time was needed because of the delays caused by the public inquiry into the club's planning application for a new stadium at Falmer.

The club currently has landlord's permission from the council to stay at Withdean until June this year.

On February 5, the planning committee decides an application for almost 2,000 extra seats, new buildings within the stadium and park-and-ride improvements.

Culture councillor Andy Durr said: "The council has to make two decisions.

"First, the planning application for more seats and other improvements.

"Secondly, we have to decide, as landlords of Withdean, whether we want the club to stay.

"The planning committee must make up its own mind based on the application.

"But as a general principle, the council's support for the club using Withdean as a temporary measure is well known.

"We are being asked to extend their stay until June 2005, by which time we hope to have seen real progress with the new community stadium at Falmer."

The council is equally keen that athletics continues to be the main activity at the stadium.

Coun Durr said: "We're very conscious that it is the athletes' home too.

"We're negotiating with them about moving and improving facilities for field events to accommodate the proposed new stands."

Part of the plan would involve the Albion paying for permanent new changing facilities and a new stand at the west end.

Both the Albion and athletes currently change in hired portable buildings.

Coun Durr said: "These new facilities would be a substantial long-term gain for athletes, so co-operation is in everyone's best interests."

A further extension at Withdean will be needed in time.

Although the community stadium will take only two years to build, any approval is unlikely to be given before June this year.