Generations of revellers have been expressing their sadness after plans to demolish a popular south Bucks nightclub were given the green light yesterday.

Winkers nightclub on Denham Lane, Chalfont Saint Giles, has been open since 1971 but is now set to close in order to make way for four two-storey homes.

It is the third time in just over two years that developers have tried to close down the club after applications for the site were refused in February and July 2014.

Ex-Amersham School pupil Freya Hook, 19, said: “I’m absolutely gutted.

“Winkers is a legacy and demolishing it is like ripping the heart and soul out of Bucks.”

Sharon Richardson, 50, said: “I can't believe Winkers will actually be gone - it's the end of an era.

“My mum, dad, brother and sister all partied there in our time, it was something we could bond over.

“It has made me quite sad and nostalgic. It's unfortunate that children won't be able to grow up and know the fun that was Winkers”

In their notes to the council planning officers said: “In view of its limited opening hours, the facility provided services of a private nature rather than community benefits and did not have a sufficient value so as to qualify as a community facility.”

Rebecca Badrick, 20, said: “Winkers will always have a bad stigma associated with it, but it’s that very stigma that allows people to fall in love with it – it is so bad, it’s good.

“A night out in Winkers is never a dull one. No club could ever replace it. It’s individual, and it is what it is.”

As well as three bars, two music rooms and a smoking area, Winkers – which was recently votes the ‘Most Tragic Hometown Club’ in the Country by The Tab – also features a free shuttle bus to the club from surrendering areas.

Lee Dancer, 54, said: “Winkers has always been a great place to meet friends in the surrounding areas of Bucks. Back in the day it was the only late night club we could get into.

“Everyone knew it - and its sticky dancefloors. It was always packed Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

“It’s been a part of our lives for 30 plus years. It is definitely a shame it’s being demolished.”

Ian Sanidad, 21, said: “I have had some of the best nights at Winkers. Who can argue with the genius that is the burger van?

“Winkers has been integral in my formative years and is a rite of passage for students across Bucks.

“It is an institution in the local area, providing a place for young people to go out.

“In an area where there is nowhere for students to go, it’s perfect for us all to meet up and have a good time.”

Jack Tame commented on the BFP website: “It’s really sad and disappointing to see that permission has finally gone through.

“How on earth can they possibly say this isn't a community facility?

“I think it's ridiculous that in an area with such vast amounts of alternative brown land, they have chosen to demolish and build upon one of the last good places that the youth and young adults of the area have to go.

“It's no surprise that the young adults are being forced to move to larger towns and cities when any facilities that they we do have are destroyed to house commuters and the retired.”

Beaconsfield resident George Ashington, 22, said: “It has been a guilty pleasure for Bucks residents for decades – it’s cheap and cheerful.

“I’m not sure if I find it funny or off-putting that my Mum and her friends were considered regulars once upon a time.”

“It is simply the only place to go without traipsing over to High Wycombe, Watford or if you really fancy spending all of your money, Revs in Beaconsfield.”

A date for the club’s closure is yet to be announced.

What are your favourite memories from Winkers? Send your comments and pictures to william.burton@london.newsquest.co.uk.