A controversial planning application has been submitted with North Herts Council to knock down an iconic part of Hitchin's history.

Proposals have been lodged with the council to demolish Club 85 - the revered independent, grassroots music venue and replace it with apartments.

The legendary vibrant music venue on Whinbush Road - which has hosted such luminaries as The Specials' Neville Staple, Glenn Matlock from the Sex Pistols, and so many more, not to mention offering a stage for budding local talent, as well as all forms of music ranging from dance, to heavy metal, folk and intimate acoustic nights, to drum and bass and everything in between including tribute acts - is under serious threat from property developers.

The 300 capacity venue is renowned on the live music circuit for its excellent acoustics and the great atmosphere it generates, not to mention its superb hospitality with a competitively priced late night bar offering punters superb value for money.

However, the much-loved site that has played host to generations of music lovers both near and far, is now earmarked for the wrecking ball - if developers have their way.

According to the documents, plans have been formulated to demolish 74 Whinbush Road (the official address of Club 85) and replace the venue with'a residential development comprising of 16 apartments (5 x 1 bedroom and 11 x 2 bedrooms)

According to planing application 23/02127/FP lodged with the council on September 11, proposals from the agent BBR Design, located at 7 Paynes Park, Hitchin also demand the creation of "vehicular access off Whinbush Road and associated works following demolition of existing building," which will affect a large number of local residents along Whinbush Road, with the site situated just off busy Nightingale Road, near to Hitchin town centre.

Club 85 falls in the Hitchin Bearton Ward, which is represented by councillor Ian Albert.

Respected councillor Mr Albert told Nub News: "The proposal is to demolish this long standing music venue and replace it with flats. This is desperately sad news for the residents of Hitchin and music lovers far and wide. The Club in its present form has operated for nearly 40 years.

"As councillors we may well look to call in the application to Planning Committee. However, we have reached out to the owners of Club 85. It would be good to understand their reasons and their thinking behind the application."

Councillor Albert added: "We know times are tough. Inflation and the cost of utilities has hit hospitality venues hard. But there are so many questions that it's right to ask before we can take a final view.

"We will also ask whether the club is likely to close anyway, even if this application was not approved? And has any attempt been made to find someone else to run it?"

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Hitchin's iconic Club 85 is under threat of demolition as property developers lurk. PICTURE: The legendary Club 85 on Whinbush Road. CREDIT: Club 85 website