David Lepper

Labour Party | Brighton Pavilion

A Stadium for Brighton and Hove Albion

September 2004

I believe a Community Sports Stadium will be a real asset for the people of Brighton and Hove - and provide a much needed permanent home for the Albion.

As a recently promoted team they deserve a top-class stadium. It will also provide a firm base for Albion’s excellent work across the city with youngsters to promote sport and education.

My own preferred site would be Shoreham Harbour because I believe a stadium there would be a spur to the harbour's regeneration, eventually providing homes and jobs as well.

However, I recognise that for the foreseeable future transport infrastructure costs make this unlikely.

The extensive research of sites carried out 2-3 years ago showed Falmer to be the most appropriate site and a city-wide referendum confirmed this view.
Brighton and Hove Council’s decision to support the Albion’s planning application backed by all Parties except the Greens was a vital step.

With the other Labour MPs for Sussex constituencies I have written to the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott MP, about the importance of the stadium, not only for the club but also for the economy of Brighton and Hove.I also welcome the support of the All Party Football Group.

Des Turner and I have co-sponsored an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons backing the planning application. People will know that Ivor Caplin is a lifelong Albion supporter but as a Minister he cannot sign Early Day Motions.

I believe that John Prescott’s recent decision to request a further examination of possible “alternative” sites will confirm that Falmer is the only feasible option.