Plans to transform a former nightclub in Daventry into a new KFC restaurant have been given the green light.

West Northamptonshire Council has approved proposals to convert the Grade II-listed former Chasers nightclub on New Street in Daventry into a KFC.

The scheme includes refurbishing the inside of the building, installing new KFC signs, adding a new access ramp, bin stores, cycle parking and a designated area for mopeds and motorcycles.

The former nightclub closed in September 2025 and has stood boarded up ever since after years as one of Daventry's best-known late-night venues.

Plans to transform the former Chasers nightclub in Daventry into a new KFC restaurant have been given the green light.

placeholder image — Plans to transform the former Chasers nightclub in Daventry into a new KFC restaurant have been given the green light.

The applicant, Beamish Planning Consultancy, said the plans would bring the empty building back into use and create new jobs.

A statement submitted with the application said: "The proposals would bring back into active use currently vacant commercial premises.

"The proposals would contribute positively to the vitality and viability of Daventry town centre, including its evening economy, and would also bring significant economic benefits associated with the creation of between 40 and 50 new jobs within a highly sustainable town centre location."

Plans show the restaurant will have around 90 seats for customers. It would be Daventry’s first ever KFC.

Because the building is listed, the council considered the impact of the changes on its historic character before approving the proposals.

Officers concluded the changes would protect the building's appearance and allow the former nightclub to be brought back into use.

The approval comes as KFC faces criticism from animal welfare campaigners over its chicken sourcing policies.

Campaigners have recently launched a campaign targeting the fast-food chain after accusing it of abandoning its previous commitment to the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC), an industry-backed welfare standard aimed at improving conditions for chickens and moving away from chicken breeds that have been selected to grow unnaturally fast (so-called ‘Frankenchickens’).