An MP has told of her "dismay" at learning the Ministry of Defence (MoD) plans to sell Kneller Hall for housing.
Twickenham MP Tania Mathias has vowed to fight with local councillors to prevent the sale of the listed mansion in Whitton, which has been home to the Royal Military School of Music for more than 150 years.
She said she has called for a meeting with ministers and is putting together a petition against the sale, which she plans to present to parliament.
"I am dismayed to hear this announcement from the MoD, particularly considering that there has been no public consultation on the sale of Kneller Hall.
"The Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall has a special place in our community - its summer proms are great fun and always packed; and the World War One re-enactment of the Christmas football match is a special memory for me personally.
"I am also conscious of the important role that Kneller Hall plays in ensuring that we have an armed forces base locally and our Remembrance Day services are attended by an increasingly large number of residents who value Kneller Hall's presence at our wreath laying ceremonies.
"I do not support these plans and will be fighting them together with local councillors. I have asked ministers to meet with me and reverse their decision, and I will be asking local residents to join me in signing my petition I have started against the sale, which will be presented to Parliament."
The MoD announced on Monday (January 18) that it planned to sell Kneller Hall and another 11 military sites to raise money for defence spending and make space for new homes.
Local councillors have already spoken out against the planned sale, which one described as a "terrible shame".
A petition has been started against the sale of the Grade II-listed building, which you can sign at
