Building new homes and waste disposal are the most critical pressures facing Sussex, according to the Government's chief environmental watchdog.

Housebuilding and waste were singled out by the Environment Agency in a wide ranging review of the state of the environment in England and Wales.

The agency also highlighted the consequences of climate change, particularly sea level rise, and poor air quality as key problems in Sussex.

Recently published Government estimates call for East Sussex and Brighton and Hove to build 2,290 new homes a year, while West Sussex would need to find room for 2,890.

Councils also face acute problems dealing with waste as they run out of landfill space and alternatives such as incineration provoke a backlash of protests.

Peter Midgley, the agency's Sussex area manager, said the main problems facing the county were due directly to pressures from the growing population.

He said: "We have got to keep the economy going but if we are not careful we will be putting people's lives at risk by building in the flood plain and building in the national park because we have not got a lot of land left.

"Waste is one which will really tax us over the next five to ten tears, as will climate change and air quality because of air coming from the continent and traffic movements in the South East."

Ozone levels in Sussex, described as a "significant worry" are among the highest in the country, mainly because of road transport.

Disposing of sewage from expanding inland towns is also highlighted as a significant problem.

The report says Sussex is less tranquil and has fewer otters and salmon in its rivers than many other parts of England and Wales.

Positive points identified by Mr Midgley include the improvement of sea and bathing water quality, and better use of inland water resources.

The watchdog also highlighted among the success stories conservation schemes, such as the Pevensey Levels, Amberley Wildbrooks and Pulborough Brooks.