Tuesday 18th February 2003

The four-month public inquiry kicks off, and Albion call a number of witnesses to present their case, including experts on traffic, pollution, planning and other areas. The FA's David Davies, Des Lynam and Sportswriter Paul Hayward also take the stand for the Albion.

Thursday 5th June 2003

Albion ask for extra time at the public inquiry in order to submit an additional planning application concerning access to the coach park at the stadium. Inspector John Collyer grants a further session in October 2003.

The application is required in order for the club to satisfy the University of Brighton - with whom the club are still locked in negotiations concerning the lease of part of their land.

Friday 13th June 2003

QC Jonathan Clay, representing the Albion, ends the public inquiry by telling the Inspector that the hopes and dreams of an entire community rest with the Secretary of State's decision.

The QC opens by quoting Daily Telegraph writer Hayward's evidence, saying that the lack of stadium in Brighton & Hove was "glaring omission, and an afront to children growing up across the county."

Des Lynam and Norman Cook deliver a petition to Downing Street

Tuesday 14th October 2003

The public inquiry resumes to consider the additional planning application made by the Albion, concerning access to and from the stadium site.

Brighton University official withdraws its objections to the proposed stadium, and signs agreements with the Albion and the Council in support of the stadium. University Vice Chancellor David Watson admits, "We have always supported the stadium, but we had to ensure the university campus and stadium could satisfactorily co-exist alongside each other. The documents that have been painstakingly negotiated address all of our concerns and we now look forward to a positive outcome to the inquiry."

Thursday 9th October 2003

Almost two years to the day Micky Adams tendered his resignation as Brighton manager, Steve Coppell does the same - and becomes the fourth departing Albion manager to cite the lack of permanent stadium as one of the reasons why he is leaving.

Dick Knight, tells seagulls.co.uk, "Once again this club is facing the reality of losing another high-profile manager because of our new stadium, or lack of it."

Thursday 23rd October 2003

The public inquiry closes, and Albion's Martin Perry, in upbeat mood, declares, "We have done everything we can to present a very strong case for the stadium to be built."

Monday 1st December 2003

The Seagulls land at 10 Downing Street. Norman Cook and Des Lynam lead a delegation of supporters delivering over 6,200 letters - and a summary of the 61,452-signature petition - to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, urging him to give Albion's stadium the green light.

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