Brighton and Hove unveils new training ground plans

Image caption, Brighton's will move into their new stadium as champions of League One

Plans for a new training ground for Brighton and Hove Albion football club in West Sussex have been unveiled.

The plans include professional training facilities and a new youth development academy, with eight pitches and residential accommodation in Lancing.

The site, at Mash Barn Lane, near Shoreham Airport, was earmarked for new playing fields, for which the club has pledged to help find a new location.

Adur District Council said it was surprised and delighted by the plans.

Brighton & Hove Albion will play their first league game at the new Amex Stadium at Falmer, East Sussex, in August.

The Seagulls currently train on pitches shared with the University of Sussex.

The planned new training ground will be on land owned by the council next to a golf course currently being built.

The proposals also include a training complex with an indoor pitch and facilities for players and staff.

Search for site

The accommodation will be for players and young people attending residential courses.

It is hoped a planning application will be submitted by the end of this year.

"We have been searching for a site to house a state-of-the-art training facility and youth academy, and the site at New Monks Farm is ideal," said Albion chief executive Martin Perry.

"It is located near to the A27, which means it is within easy reach of the Amex Stadium.

"We have had some initial discussions with Adur District Council and are absolutely delighted at the positive response we have received from members and their officers.

"They have been extremely supportive of the scheme and like the idea of having the Albion in their district so we are extremely hopeful of a positive outcome when it comes to the planning stage."

The plan was discussed on Monday night at a meeting of Worthing and Adur councils' joint strategic committee.

Adur council leader Neil Parkin said the football club had approached the council about the site.

"This would really help to put Adur on the map and give us a great opportunity to regenerate this area for the benefit of the whole district," he said.