Proposals to demolish a notorious nightclub are a “step forward” but not far enough, a residents’ association has said.

David Linnell of the Loughton Residents Association said plans to knock down LuXe in the High Road and replace it with flats are likely to meet stiff opposition, with many people keen to see the 19th century building remain.

People living near the controversial club were written to by Epping Forest District Council last Friday (August 12), notifying them that Amit Kundra hopes to replace the corner property with a four-storey block of flats with a shop on the ground floor.

“It is certainly a step forward but not quite a big enough step,” said Mr Linnell.

The residents’ association has previously opposed LuXe’s late licence, calling for a return to a more traditional pub.

“We would obviously be very glad not to have a nightclub there.

“The second thing is it is a historic building built in 1862 and it is right opposite where the original Loughton station was… and so the Loughton Residents Association plan group and a number of residents are concerned we could lose what is a part of Loughton’s history.”

One option could be for developers to keep the building’s façade, he said.

However, he backed the closure of the club, which has been blamed for late night noise and has been linked with a number of violent assaults.

“We would very much welcome, on behalf of residents in quite a large area, the nightclub closing down.”

In October last year the council ordered managers to remove DJ equipment, ban dancing in some areas and stop charging for entry at the end of a long-running planning dispute.

However, paid events running until 2.30am with booked DJs were still advertised months later.

Despite this, a manager calling himself Josh and refusing to give a second name, said the venue is no longer a nightclub.

“It is a late night venue in its current state, it continues to be a family-run business as a freehold.

“Night time operations are all in line,” he said.

He added that the future of LuXe as a business depends on the district council’s upcoming decision on the demolition.

“It all depends on what is decided, no-one knows what the council will do, whether the plans department will approve or not we will wait and see and make our decision based on their decision.”

The plans will first be considered by Loughton Town Council next Monday (August 22).