INTREPID Front Garden campaigner Terry King was accused of hypocrisy last night after he questioned councillors over the proposed development of the Princess Margaret Hospital site.

Mr King spoke at Swindon Council's planning meeting on behalf of the Okus Area Residents' Association, backing the use of the soon-to-be-vacant land for housing.

But he confessed great concern that the area would be over-developed, with up to 500 houses being suggested for the 24-acre plot.

His comments sparked fury in the mind of one member of the planning committee, Councillor Richard Young, who said Mr King could not "have his cake and eat it".

Mr King, a 74-year-old war veteran, recently took the council to the High Court to protest at its plans to build around 3,800 homes on the green fields and farms on the Front Garden. Along with developer Bloor Homes, he lost the case last month.

Coun Young (Lab, Central) said: "There is a unique brand of hypocrisy being pedalled. He wants to have his cake and eat it. If you don't want greenfield sites developed, you clearly have to develop brownfield sites like this as densely as possible."

The sale of the land stands to make £9 million for Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust, which is due to vacate the site late next year. After the meeting, Mr King said: "I do not mind being attacked, but I don't like my words being twisted."

Coun Fionuala Foley (Con, Old Town and Lawn) also admitted she had concern about the possible density of the housing and height of the buildings.

Council officers agreed to a public meeting before detailed plans are submitted for the development.