The Duke's original plans would have meant the demolition of the much-loved Butterfly House whose lease is due to expire in three years and also the Snakes and Ladders indoor play area as well as the Aquatic Experience which are all on his land. In their place there would be a luxury 155 bedroom Radisson Hotel.

The motive behind the collaboration between Radisson Edwardian Hotels and the Trustees of the Twelth Duke of Northumberland's Maintenance Fund Settlement is to "enhance and preserve the listed buildings" already in the Park. The Trustees had argued that Syon House was being adversely affected by the "unsightly and increasingly underused commercial buildings." The plans caused a massive outcry amongst local people already concerned about the steady decline in facilities for young children and the loss of such popular facilities.