Brighton have secured their immediate future at the Withdean Stadium after receiving planning permission to stay at the ground until 2011.

Brighton & Hove Council voted unanimously in favour of the Seagulls' application, meaning the club can continue playing their home games at the converted athletics stadium until they finally move into their new ground at Falmer

"This is the last time we are going to have to apply for planning permission at Withdean," said chief executive Martin Perry.

"It secures the future of the club in the short term and now we can concentrate on delivering the new stadium at Falmer."

Brighton have been playing their home games at the Withdean since 1999.