Speaking to seagulls.co.uk from Hove Town Hall following the city council's 10-0 (two abstentions) vote in favour of the Falmer stadium planning application, Albion chairman Dick Knight said, "Planning committee members have certainly got the message about how important the stadium is to the community.

"They understand it's not just about entertaining football fans on a Saturday afternoon, but about helping to improve people's lives with some inspirational community facilities - in other words, a real community stadium.

"There were some compelling arguments recognising the importance of this landmark building proceeding in the current economic climate, and I applaud and thank the Planning Committee for their overwhelming mandate to go ahead. This is a great moment for the Albion and for the city."