Details of sites across West Sussex where controversial waste incinerators may be developed have been revealed by council leaders.

Shoreham cement works, near Steyning, has been dubbed suitable for an incinerator or waste-to-energy plant.

The other two sites are Warnham brickworks, near Horsham and Portfield, near Chichester.

As well as the incinerators, plans to create more than 20 recycling centres across the county have been outlined.

West Sussex County Council yesterday released the details of its next waste local plan, a blueprint for waste disposal in the county.

The plan will not come into effect until 2016.

The council stressed the sites were being included at this stage only because they could be suitable for a waste facility of some sort in the future, not necessarily because they would be developed.

Councillor Lionel Barnard, who advises the council's Cabinet member Tex Pemberton on waste issues, said: "The message is don't panic.

"No one is going to build one of these tomorrow and no one has taken any decisions."

He urged householders to recycle more so the need for landfill sites and incinerators would be reduced.

The council, which has already dropped 19 other locations from the plan after public consultation, says it is almost certain not all of the sites will be needed.

Coun Pemberton, Cabinet member for strategic environmental services, said: "This is the start of a long process of consultation and I would not want anyone to think we have made up our minds."

The draft plan is due to be considered by county councillors at a select committee on November 20 and by full council in January 2003.

It will be put on deposit from May 15 to June 26, enabling everyone in the county to have their say on the proposals. The waste plan local hotline number is 01243 777517.