Demolition will start on the former Onyx nightclub on Folkestone seafront in the next few weeks.

It comes after Historic England rejected a bid to save the building when an application to list it was submitted.

It means that owners, Folkestone Harbour Company, has been given the go-ahead to knock the 1920s Marine Pavilion.

An application to demolish the building was approved by Shepway District Council last Wednesday after Historic England published its recommendation not to list on Thursday, January 7.

The building will be flattened to make way for the redevelopment of Folkestone harbour and seafront area which was given planning permission in 2013.

FHC spokesman Peter Bettley said: "Following the decision by the night club operator not to renew their lease in autumn 2015, we had the condition of the building surveyed by specialist consultants, who concluded that it was in a very poor state of repair and recommended demolition.

"Previously as part of the original planning application, buildings on the seafront had been independently assessed and the nightclub building was not regarded as having sufficient historic or architectural value to merit its restoration or retention.

"Nevertheless, demolition was held up by an application to Historic England to have the building listed.

"However they have assessed the building objectively and I am glad to say that common sense has prevailed so that demolition can begin, and another obstacle to the successful regeneration of this challenging site can be removed."

The club closed in October 2015 and underwent a major refurbishment in 2010.

An extension to the lease was on the table for the club and “was not withdrawn” by FHC, the company previously told KentOnline.

Meanwhile, FHC says work to restore the harbour arm is continuing throughout the winter.

In spite of challenging weather conditions work is progressing and the pier will open again in March.

More than 80,000 visitors attended during 10 weekends of activities, food and drink and entertainment.