THE first step in the redevelopment of Swindon's Princess Margaret Hospital site is expected to be taken next week.

Councillors will be asked to grant outline permission for the site.

The hospital, which has served Swindon for more than 40 years, is likely to be replaced by a new housing estate.

Monday's planning committee will be urged to approve the principle of development on the site, despite concerns from some residents in the Okus Road area.

Swindon Council has received letters from residents with concerns about the over-development of the site.

Government guidelines suggest there should be between 294-475 homes on the 24-acre stretch of land.

But Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust chief executive Sonia Mills says the site could accommodate a high density, high quality estate with 500 homes.

There have also been concerns that proposed six-storey flats would be an eyesore in the area, and that the development would create extra traffic.

The hospital trust stands to make around £9million if Swindon Council agrees to its proposal.

It will hold a meeting with people living close to the site during the coming weeks to explain the scheme in more detail.

The plan being discussed on Monday is for outline permission, and detailed plans will be submitted at a later date.

Ms Mills said a range of housing would be built, from relatively low cost homes, to luxury penthouse apartments offering views of the countryside to the south of Swindon.

The height of the buildings planned would range from two to six storeys.

Councillors will be told that agreements would be insisted on to ensure the new estate would be served by bus services, cycleways and a community shop.

Developers would also be told to provide public open space with play area and a proportion of social housing.

PMH is due to be vacated at the end of next year when the new £132m Great Western Hospital opens in Commonhead.

Conservation consultants say the land it stands on is of little ecological or archaeological value.

Monday's planning committee will be held at the civic offices, starting at 7pm. It is open to the public.