COASTLANDS has been saved from demolition after a Sidmouth couple s bid to turn the controversial building into a family home got the go-ahead from planning chiefs.

COASTLANDS has been saved from demolition after a Sidmouth couple's bid to turn the controversial building into a family home got the go-ahead from planning chiefs.

Helen and Mark Waters snapped up the Salcombe Cliffs site last month and vowed to restore the former home of Sidmouth's chief coastguard to its "former glory."

The contentious Victorian building in Laskeys Lane had been destined for demolition after a bid to replace it with a block of flats was given planning permission in 2005.

Despite public uproar, permission was granted to build five flats on the site, but a subsequent application for eight flats was refused by East Devon District Council.

In a remarkable turnaround in fortunes, the historic house's restoration can begin next week after new owners Helen and Mark learnt on Wednesday that their renovation bid has been given the green-light.

"It's very exciting," said local businesswoman and personal trainer Helen, "we've been trying to get the property for quite some time.

"People have been fantastic, walking into my shop and stopping us in town and saying they are really pleased the property is going to be renovated. It's really nice that has happened.

"We've been waiting to put a new driveway in so work can start and now that can happen next week. It is a big project ahead.

Helen praised her husband for doing a "fantastic job" with the plans. She added: "We have a great deal of people helping us restore it, they are all local.

"It needs a lot of restoring but we're doing it and not pulling it down.