THE DERELICT former home of Sidmouth s chief coastguard is the subject of a new planning application.

THE DERELICT former home of Sidmouth's chief coastguard is the subject of a new planning application.

In 2007 Coastlands on Salcombe Cliffs at Laskeys Lane, seemed destined for demolition to make way for a new block of flats.

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

Now an application by Mark Waters of Cotmaton Road, Sidmouth, could save the Victorian building from demolition.

However, when his plans to build a conservatory, single storey extension, removal of chimney and alterations to access were discussed at last week's Sidmouth Town Council planning committee, councillors voted not to support the application.

They feel it would be overdevelopment of the site, windows on the north elevation would create overlooking of neighbours, as would a new balcony.

Councillor John Dyson said new upper floor windows were a significant addition and higher than other windows in the building.

"One wonders what is going to come next, they are making it an ugly building," remarked Councillor Mary Jolly, who added: "I don't like this. Like Topsy it keeps growing."

Councillor Sylvia Carr agreed, saying: "It is far too big and horrible."

Councillor Frances Newth felt the new balcony, together with three windows in the new extension overlooked neighbours.

Their views were akin to those presented to East Devon District Council by neighbour Deborah Swift from Nanaste, Laskeys Lane.

She wrote: "As a neighbour to Coastlands I object to the planning of the three windows to bedroom six, overlooking my property and into my bedrooms."

Other neighbours, J and P Buckland have told EDDC they would want all construction traffic to access the site, which will have a new Tarmac drive, from Cliff Road.

They also ask that all overlooking windows have opaque glazing.