Work could start in September following government's decision to approve ew 22,000-seater ground in Falmer

A 拢50m stadium for Brighton and Hove Albion FC received planning approval from secretary of state for Communities and Local Government Hazel Blears today.

The KSS-designed scheme will relocate the club, who have been without a permanent home since 1997, to a new 22,000-seater facility in Falmer.

The club said it was delighted at the news and added that if there was no legal challenge to the scheme by Lewes District Council preliminary work could start in September.

Club chief executive Martin Perry said: 鈥淭he design team will be instructed to proceed with the preparation of tender documents, applications for funding will be made and the complex legal agreements with various stakeholders will be concluded.鈥�