A plan has been drawn up to demolish the only nightclub in Dovercourt and turn it into flats.

But the landlord of Reflections nightclub and the adjoining Phoenix pub has said the immediate future of the building is safe.

Terry Lindsell and business partner Dennis Sorrell have submitted a planning application to Tendring Council to demolish the nightclub and pub and build a three-storey block of 20 flats at the Lower Marine Parade site.

But Mr Lindsell stressed he would continue to run the two venues for "at least" the next three to four years.

He said: "I'm looking more for when I'm 60. I'm talking three-and-a-half years, nothing's going to happen now.

"It will stay as it is for the forseeable future."

He added the reason he was acting now was that the site was currently earmarked as development land - but that might not be the case three or four years down the line.

Mr Lindsell also said he would consider selling the existing business as it is, if and when the time arose.

Mr Lindsell took over the running of the Phoenix in 1985 when it split from being a hotel to a regency-style pub and nightclub.

Reflections is currently the only regular club in the area and attracts many clubbers every Friday and Saturday night from the Harwich area.

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