An Exmouth town centre pub is to be demolished and replaced with a three-storey mock ‘Georgian townhouse.’

The Beacon Vaults, located on Beacon Hill, is not a listed property, despite being flanked by Grade II-listed nineteenth century properties Alma House and 1A The Beacon.

It is in “a poor state of structural repair,” according to an East Devon council planning officer’s report, which deemed the harm of the loss of its historic fabric “low” because of its current condition and long-term viable use.

A building has reportedly been on the site since 1889 and its current façade is in a mock Tudor style.

The Vaults was put up for sale for £295,000 last year after closing in 2017.

It will cost an estimated £576,800 for the demolition and new-build, the planning documents say.

Previous plans for it to be replaced with two four-storey houses had been submitted but were withdrawn. 

Now that East Devon District Council has granted planning permission, owner Brian Male of Hansard Ltd must begin development within three years, alongside several other conditions. 

It will have off-street parking to the rear for three cars and an electric car charging point.