Every so often I get a high pitched squeak eminatuing from my front nears side wheel.

it doesn't change pitch with speed - but wit will dissapppear when I mearly touch the brake or if i turn the steering wheel a little.

I suspect its brake pad related buit a visual imnspection doesn't reveal anything.

The car is an Octavia Mk 1 Estate 52 reg.

Any suggestions?

This is probably the wheel bearing being slightly dry. The noise is annoying, but the car could drive like this for years before the bearing needs replaced (been there, done that...).