A bus and coach interchange at the proposed Falmer stadium should be rejected, a conservation watchdog says.

Sussex Downs Conservation Board said it was too early to consider Brighton and Hove Albion's application for the interchange on land north of Village Way.

It said it should not be approved before the results of a public inquiry, which could rule out the project, into the stadium are known.

The scheme to provide parking for 50 coaches and bus stops for fans, should be considered at the hearing, scheduled to start early next year.

Papers to go before the board's planning committee on Monday said the environmental statement accompanying the interchange application was inadequate.

The board said the interchange was inside the Sussex Downs area of outstanding natural beauty and the proposed South Downs national park and would have a significant impact on the surrounding area.

Planners at Lewes District Council are expected to consider the application next month.

Brighton and Hove City Council asked the club to submit a separate application for the interchange when it gave the stadium project planning permission earlier this year.

The club was asked to submit the application because of doubts about a proposal to build on land south of Village Way.

Councillors in Brighton and Hove have recommended Lewes District Council approves the revised scheme.