Former nightclub to make way for flats

A former nightclub and bingo hall in Ilfracombe could be demolished and replaced with seven new properties.

The owner of the High Street club, formerly known as Lucky’s, Whispers, and later Digz nightclub, proposes building two two-bedroom and five one-bedroom flats around a central courtyard.

Barry Theo says it is no longer viable as an entertainment venue or an indoor market.

ABOVE: The site of the former nightclub in Ilfracombe High Street. Image courtesy: LPA Architecture and Design

Despite being advertised as a commercial rental property, it has not attracted any tenants, according to planning documents submitted to North Devon Council.

The building is part of a terrace flanked by residential and commercial properties. One-third of the property, which includes an adjoining café and two residential units, is owned separately.

A design and access statement notes that the ground floor will require significant work to meet residential standards, with signs of dampness on the lower ground floor causing the flooring to bow.

The roof is in poor condition and comprises several disjointed sections connected to neighbouring buildings, which may need to be consolidated into a single structure.

The ground and lower ground floors are accessed from the High Street but have separate entrances, said to offer flexibility for future use.

Planning officers raised concerns about the number of properties and potential overlooking from courtyard windows, although they support the principle of redevelopment.

Planning agent LPA Architecture and Design argued that concerns about internal privacy were “disproportionate,” stating these issues have been “meticulously addressed” through thoughtful window placements, design, and measures such as opaque glazing.

They said the design was inspired by an award-winning residential development in London called Walmer Yard, where the courtyard is central to the development, providing natural light and ventilation while encouraging interaction among residents.

“Our design uses a courtyard to connect shared and private spaces, fostering a sense of community and belonging within the development,” they said.

They added that any reduction in the number of properties would render the scheme “unviable,” jeopardising the opportunity to regenerate the site and deliver housing.

North Devon Council will make a decision about the plans at a future date.