THE Argus can today reveal the truth behind the BBC documentary that outraged Albion fans.

The programme, broadcast as part of BBC2's Southern Eye series, focused on the Seagulls' battle to play their home matches at Withdean.

The film, The Battle of Withdean, suggested residents' views had been ignored and the planning application had been rushed through.

It had been heavily trailed in the days leading up to transmission and was described by the BBC as a "fair and balanced documentary".

But we have learned that producer Phil Grabsky lives just a short walk from Withdean Stadium - and was one of the protesters who tried to block Albion's move.

The Argus has obtained a copy of a letter sent by Mr Grabsky to Brighton and Hove Council in which he said the Withdean move would be "totally ridiculous and completely at odds with the area".

Hove MP Ivor Caplin, who was featured in the programme, said our revelation "raises serious doubts about the editorial independence of a BBC programme".

And Brighton and Hove Council is now likely to make a formal complaint. A spokesman said: "The programme gave a less than fair view of the complexities of the issues."

Coun Jeane Lepper, who chairs Brighton and Hove's planning committee was criticised in the programme.

"It didn't reflect the work that we put in and how we bent over backwards to be fair," she said.

Albion director Bob Pinnock said: "We considered the programme to be biased and unrepresentative of the facts, taking no account of the steps the club took to deal with residents' concerns.

"At the very least, the programme should have declared an interest."

Mr Grabsky said last night his letter had no bearing on the documentary.

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