Comparisons with the BBC programme were based on the building’s unusual semi-submerged design, intended to minimise its impact on the moorland landscape.

The four-bedroom single-story structure spanning 8,000 square feet would have been partially buried into the Pennine landscape. The house featured zoned, petal-shaped wings which are themed ‘eat’, ‘relax’, ‘entertain’, ‘work’, ‘sleep’ and ‘play’ respectively. The petals were clustered around a central kitchen with a green roof covering most of the building.

The Sky pundit spent three years drafting designs for the property before eventually being given the go ahead by Bolton Council to build on the greenbelt.

Now Neville has completely abandoned plans after putting the land up for sale.

It would have been the first zero carbon house in North West England.

Estate agents Pearson Ferrier has listed the plot with pictures of later designs approved in 2012, which happen to be significantly altered to Neville’s “Telebubbies” plan.

He is understood to have carried out enough work on the site that its planning permission is still intact.

Drawn-up plans for the £650,000 plot boasts four reception rooms, five bedrooms and four bathrooms with grounds extending to around five acres.

The advertisement dubs the site “a substantial development opportunity to create a distinct family home, nestling in a sought after rural setting enjoying privacy and seclusion.”