Plans to build a new football training academy near an airport have been approved.

Brighton and Hove Albion proposed the building of a new training academy with 12 pitches.

Adur District Council have given the project the go ahead.

The new facility will be built on a site near Shoreham Airport in Lancing.

Chief executive of the club Martin Perry said it was a "massive decision" and that a contractor would be named soon.

Opponents have highlighted the traffic, noise and light pollution which they claim will be created by the new venue.

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But in an interview with BBC Sussex, Mr Perry said the club would be "good neighbours.

"We're very grateful to the local residents in the way they've now responded", he said.

"We're hoping to have the facility open early 2014. It's the last piece of the jigsaw as far as the infrastructure of this club is concerned."

The club, affectionately known as the Seagulls, currently train on pitches shared with the University of Sussex.

This new venture has been undertaken in order to create professional facilities, including a new youth development academy with accommodation.

The Seagulls only just recently moved grounds, taking up residence at the Amex stadium in Falmer, East Sussex, last July.

Mr Perry has remarked the stadium is within easy reach of the training facility, given its proximity to the A27.

But opponents continue to cite road congestion, noise and light pollution from the floodlights in their opposition.

They are also wary of "heavy duty" construction traffic causing disruption in the area.

The club's plans were backed by Lancing Parish Council in March.

(IT/GK)