A SENIOR executive of Swindon Council was caught out last night when it was revealed that plans published by his department included building 50 homes on the site of Princess Margaret Hospital by the end of 2002.

Eagle-eyed Tory leader Mike Bawden spotted the error embedded in the details of the council's Local Plan.

He challenged the director of environmental services, Simon Birch, to explain how the council could build houses on a site that will not be vacated until November.

Mr Birch was forced to admit the papers were "out of date" and that the intention to redevelop some of the PMH land during 2002 was now impossible.

The Local Plan outlines how the town is likely to grow between now and 2011 and where houses are likely to be built.