Albion fans received an apology from a council officer after a hitch caused further delays to plans for a community stadium.

As we reported yesterday, consultation notices for the plans at Falmer did not mention the scheme was a departure from the Local Plan.

As a result, the Government has told Brighton and Hove City Council the notices have to be put out again, which will cause a delay of three weeks.

The Government will then decide whether or not to call in the scheme for a public inquiry.

The planning committee has approved the stadium 11-1.

In a letter to councillors, city services director Paul Hart said: "Unfortunately officers did not pick up on the error, neither did supporters or opponents of the scheme.

"The Government Office for the South-East, to whom the application had to be referred, has advised we must reissue the notices stating that this is a proposed departure. These notices are being printed."

Mr Hart said people could raise issues as a result and, if any brought up new matters of concern, councillors would be advised about them.

However, he said: "There has been extensive consultation and debate around the report to the planning committee, which did make it clear that the proposal would involve a departure from the Local Plan.

"We do not anticipate that this three-week delay will affect the timing of the next phase of the football club's plans.

"I will be leading an investigation and urgently reviewing our internal procedures to prevent this happening again."

Brighton and Hove Albion chief executive Martin Perry said: "While it is frustrating to suffer a bit more delay, that's all it is. It doesn't alter the decision and hopefully not the timing."

A council spokesman said: "Mr Hart also wants to apologise to the fans and the club for any concern.

"Hopefully they realise the council supports the club but that we're all human and can make mistakes."