PLANS for a notorious nightclub to be replaced with a hotel and restaurant are under review.

Whitbread PLC has submitted an application to build a Premier Inn hotel and Beefeater restaurant on the derelict site of Deja Vu nightclub in London Road, Swanley, which, if successful, will go ahead immediately.

Stonemason Joe Sardena, aged 47, of Cyclamen Road, fully supports the plans to demolish the club, which closed in June 2006.

The father of one, who has lived in Swanley for 10 years, said: “The club was very notorious.

“The plans are a blessing in disguise. It will open it up to a different clientele.

“The area had a very bad reputation, so the only way round it is to build something new and restore Swanley’s name.”

Dubbed by north Kent police as a "crime generator", Deja Vu has been dogged with controversy over the years after a series of crime-related incidents outside the nightclub.

In February 2003, a 39-year-old man was shot in the face twice and lost an eye during a drug related hit, while in September of the same year a thug attempted to murder a man by running over him three times.

Other incidents have included arson and assault.

Chief executive of Swanley Town Council Brian Dailey said: “We fully support this application as it is a lot more appropriate.

“We welcome the investment into the town and the employment benefits that the proposal will bring.”

Sevenoaks Council will meet on July 7 to review the planning application.