Plans to redevelop the run-down Hanworth Park House and transform it into a luxury hotel are on hold.
Developers Metrotel Ltd, who were granted planning permission in January last year to turn the 'at-risk' Grade II listed building into a 166-room five-star hotel, are believed to be selling the property on Forest Road, Feltham.
The news is likely to come as a blow to a majority of residents living in the surrounding area of the former country house, as most people were in favour of seeing the house returned to its former glory after being left to rot for some 20 years.
Hounslow Council confirmed Metrotel have decided to sell the property and said they were in talks with a potential new buyer.
A council spokesman said: "We are anxious to see the property is sustained and put to viable use, and the building and land preserved as it would be with the original plan."
The £36m project on the three-acre site within Hanworth Park was to include leisure facilities and meeting rooms, restoration of the famous clock tower, and green spaces including walkways along the Longford River, a new woodland. It was expected to create more than 130 full-time and part-time jobs.
Hanworth Park House was originally built as a royal hunting lodge used by Henry VII.
The current building was complete in 1828 after fire destroyed the old premises.
Over the years it has been used as a country house, hotel and military hospital during the First World War. It was last used as an old people's home about 20 years ago.
Metrotel have been contacted for a comment.
