The long-running public inquiry to determine the fate of Brighton and Hove Albion's Falmer stadium plan will finally end on May 4 - the day before the General Election.

The inquiry resumes tomorrow at Brighton Town Hall for four days of further evidence and closing submissions from interested parties such as Lewes District Council, Falmer Parish Council and the Regency Society of Brighton and Hove.

It will then adjourn until May 4, when the venue will switch to the Brighton Centre and the club and city council will make their final statements to planning inspector David Brier.

The inquiry is the last leg of a seven-year battle for a new 22,000-seat, £50 million community stadium for the Seagulls, who have been without a permanent home since being forced to vacate the Goldstone Ground in Hove in 1997.

Two separate Government planning inspectors have rubbished the Falmer plans but the club, backed by Brighton and Hove City Council and The Argus, say it is the only option.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott refused to rule out the proposals and reopened the inquiry to determine whether there are any viable alternative sites within the city.

A total of 11 have been scrutinised including Sheepcote Valley, Toad's Hole Valley, Waterhall, Withdean and Shoreham airport.

Mr Brier will make his report to the Secretary of State about a month after the close of the inquiry, from which he will make a final judgement.

The club had hoped for a verdict before the election but will now have to wait until at least mid-summer.