The ambulance service covering Sussex is looking to build a new centre in Polegate.

The site at Cophall Farm would be used to prepare ambulances as well as for training and meetings.

South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) has submitted a planning application to Wealden District Council and is one of two planned for Sussex, having revealed details of a similar centre destined for Falmer last year.

There are already two similar centres in Kent. If given final approval by the trust's board, the centre would open in early 2015.

Secamb's programme director for estates, Geoff Catling, said: “These facilities will not only ensure that our clinical staff are freed up to do the job they are trained to do - treat patients, there will be the prospect of job opportunities as our Make Ready contractors look to recruit make ready operatives.”

Traditionally ambulance crews have been responsible for cleaning and restocking ambulances before and after shifts.

Within the Make Ready system specialist teams of staff are employed to clean, restock and maintain vehicles.

Work is under way to establish which stations will report to the new facilities but it is expected staff from Eastbourne, Hailsham, Heathfield, Newhaven and Uckfield will relocate to the new centre.