An inquiry into Brighton and Hove's future starting in September will run at least until Christmas.
It is possible that if all the evidence has not been heard by then, it could restart next February.
Independent inspector Charles Hoile will hold the inquiry into Brighton and Hove City Council's Local Plan. This is a brief for future planning which has attracted unprecedented interest with thousands of letters of support and objections.
Many of these relate to Brighton and Hove Albion's plan for a community stadium at Falmer, which has already received conditional planning approval.
If the Government decided to hold a public inquiry about the scheme, this would be held alongside the local plan inquiry.
The inquiry will start at Hove Town Hall on Tuesday, September 24, and will continue until at least Friday, December 20.
There will be evidence from the city council and groups ranging from the Brighton Society to representatives for developers.
Mr Hoile will consider more than 5,000 objections to the draft plan and will make recommendations to the council on them.
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