THE number of new homes to be built in Rayleigh should be cut by at least 300, according to Essex County Council.

Rochford District Council officers have said 1,800 homes need to be built in the town as part of a Government plan for 3,800 new properties across the district.

But the county council has said the figures would have a significant effect on schools in the area and a new primary school would be needed to meet the anticipated shortfall in places.

Providing there is satisfactory discussion with Sweyne Park and Fitz-Wimarc schools, there should be enough secondary places in Rayleigh, county hall believes.

In Hockley, where demand for school places is expected to fall, no new schools will be needed.

Chris Black, leader of the district council's Lib Dem group, said: "This shows what we have argued - that Rayleigh is bursting at the seams - is correct.

"There is no doubt we should be taking notice of what the county council has to say."

But Tory councillor Mavis Webster said there was still a long way to go before the final figures were decided.

She said: "At the moment, the figures are only the officers' thoughts and there is a long way to go with them.

"Many of us have concerns about the numbers which are being proposed for Rayleigh and this reinforces our concerns."