The warning is contained in the county council's formal opposition to the planned development.

A report by Neil Stocker, on behalf of chief fire officer Martin Burrell states that, with the existing resources, the proposed attendance time standard for first appliance attendance in 12 minutes will not be met in the majority of the site.

This refers to the expected 170-190 emergencies a year from the development including the flooding which could occur on the section of the 350-hectare site within the River Arun flood plain.

The risk to residents from the lack of fire cover is among five concerns expressed in the council's comments by council leader Cllr Henry Smith to government housing minister Caroline Flint.

The others relate to the lack of capacity within services to cope with thousands of new residents, energy supply and waste handling matters, the lack of social and job opportunities and the effect on the regeneration of Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.

Cllr Smith also highlighted the council's opposition to the general principle of the eco-town approach and strong opposition to the government's 'cynical approach to identifying and imposing eco-towns on existing communities.

Meanwhile, Bognor Regis Town Council has also told the government it opposes an eco-town at Ford.

Members of its planning and leisure committee voted 4-2 to object to the plans.

Members said they were concerned about the lack of planning process involved in the selection of Ford, the current lack of facilities and the potential to destroy the environment of the chosen site.

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