Brighton chief executive Martin Perry has hit back at fresh criticism of their planned new stadium at Falmer.
Brighton's new stadium plans have been a long-running saga
Falmer is one of nine sites, including Areas of Oustanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), which the Campaign to Protect Rural England says is under threat.
"It was designated as an AONB 40 years ago but since then, two universities and a trunk road were built through it," Perry told BBC Radio Five Live.
"The Government sets tests in protected areas and this site meets those tests."
The stadium proposals are currently subject to a legal challenge which was mounted by Lewes District Council, Falmer Parish Council and the South Downs Society following Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's approval of the plans in October 2005.
Planning permission was withdrawn in April when the DPM's department admitted an error had been made - and the case is due to be heard on 5 and 6 December.