Brighton and Hove Albion chiefs have suggested two possible transport interchanges to help fans get to their proposed new stadium.

The club's initial plans for a 22,000-capacity new ground at Falmer included a transport link-up on land south of Village Way.

But an alternative planning application has been submitted to Lewes District Council for a coach and bus interchange on Village Way North.

The proposals include coach parking and set-down and pick-up points.

The interchange would be close to the junction of the A27 and the B2123 Falmer to Woodingdean road.

The club believes the interchange would be less visible to residents if it is north of Village Way, rather than south.

Albion chief executive Martin Perry said: "It is an essential part of the transportation strategy to Falmer. Very few people will be travelling to the stadium by car.

"There are two possible sites for the interchange and it is right for this issue to be debated as fully as possible."

Lewes planning director Lindsay Frost said: "We will be consulting widely on this application and expect to report it to a committee meeting later in the autumn.

"Whatever decision the council comes to on this new application, I expect it will eventually be considered at the same public inquiry as the called-in stadium application."

The Falmer stadium plans, including the interchange south of Village Way, were approved in principle by Brighton and Hove City Council in June.

But planning minister Lord Rooker last week called in the application for a public inquiry, expected to start next February.

At a council planning meeting yesterday it was revealed that Government officials would not start looking at the plans until February 4, 2003.

Maggie Brian, head of development control, said: "The Falmer stadium bid is likely to be dealt with at the beginning of next year and not before February 4 at the earliest."

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott will make the final decision.

The club does not expect to be playing at Falmer until the start of the 2005-2006 season and has applied to stay at Withdean until June 2005.