The Joker could be turned into a hotel instead of flats in the latest shock for the Seven Kings pub.

Demolition work is due to start in 2015 for an approved apartment block but developers are considering scrapping plans.

Retail units at the bottom of the 19-apartment development planned for Cameron Road, Seven Kings, could have been The Joker’s new home.

A spokesman for the pub last year said they were in discussions with developers to open another bar.

But now DSJ Homes is considering putting in completely new plans for a hotel at the site instead of flats.

Bobby Jhumat said: “We weren’t looking to do any demolition until January 2015.

“We’re not 100 per cent sure [whether a pub could be at the bottom of the flats], we’re looking at another planning option.

“We are having some talks with the council.”

The Joker was forced to close last month after a police raid uncovered cannabis plants in the cellar but may reopen in less than four months.

A council licensing committee sat for nearly nine hours last week to decide the fate of the pub.

After hearing representations from police, pub owners and other parties, councillors ruled that the licence will be suspended for three months and the premises supervisor must be removed.

The suspension will not take effect for 21 days after the hearing to allow for appeals.

An appeal against the council ruling can be made to a Magistrates’ Court and overrule it if successful.

If no appeal is made, the suspension will automatically lift after three months, meaning The Joker can reopen.

A 58-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the police raid and bailed until December 16, inquiries continue.