Two new primary schools for up to 800 children will built on secondary school sites.

It is hoped the two new schools will solve Eastbourne’s predicted shortfall in places.

The plans have been announced after a previous project to expand two existing primary schools fell through.

Local authority officials have warned the new school buildings are likely to come at the expense of new playing fields.

East Sussex County Council spokesman said: “At present, we are forecasting a significant shortfall for primary school places in Eastbourne which could last into the next decade.

“We need to take action now to ensure we have sufficient places in the future.

“If the lead member approves these proposals, the new school would still have to be subject to a consultation process, planning approval and, in the case of establishing a free school, permission by the Secretary of State for Education.”

The proposal would see a new two-form entry primary school built on the Cavendish School site, in Eldon Road, which is likely to be a free school run by the same academy which runs the secondary school.

The second two-form entry primary would be built on the Ratton School site, in Park Avenue.

Between £7 million and £8 million of local authority funding has already been set aside for the Cavendish School build.

If the plans are approved, the first new primary school would be expected to open by September 2015.

The proposal replaces the previously approved plans to expand St Andrew’s CE Infant School, in Winchelsea Road, and Tollgate Community Junior School, in Winston Crescent.

Despite being scheduled to provide 210 additional school places, the proposal was scrapped following concerns raised about the constraints of the St Andrew’s site.

Pupil pressures on secondary schools are not expected in Eastbourne until the early part of the next decade, when an additional five forms of entry may be required.

The pressure could be met by the provision of new secondary places on land owned by the council or through the expansion of existing schools.

East Sussex County Council is set to discuss the plans at a meeting on Monday.

More details on the plans can be found on www.eastsussex.gov.uk.