Conservation chiefs have criticised the latest plans for Heston's rapidly decaying Hermitage amid fears the listed building will fail to survive the winter.

Gurmit Singh Bhullar, who owns the crumbling thatched cottage in Upper Sutton Lane, finally submitted a long-awaited condition report to Hounslow Council last Thursday.

But Maggie Urquhart, the council's conservation officer, described the 50-page document as a 'disappointing' 're-hash' of earlier surveys, containing little new information.

She also spoke of her frustration that protective metal roofing has yet to be replaced more than four months after it was removed due to safety concerns.

Mr Bhullar's latest plans for the site (pictured with concerned members of Heston Residents' Association) involve either a 40-bed care home or nine properties with lock-up garages. He claims he cannot afford to compile a more detailed conservation strategy until planning chiefs approve one of these schemes in principle.

Meanwhile the council's legal team is investigating whether the building's 'neglect' could reduce the compensation necessary in the event of a compulsory purchase.

Speaking at last Thursday's meeting, Cllr Peta Vaught said: "Historic buildings in other areas have been allowed to deteriorate to the point that demolition's become the only option, which proves very profitable for developers. We have a lot of historic buildings in the borough and we mustn't let developers get the idea they can knock down any buildings and replace them with flats."