SIR Edward Heath’s historic home Arundells can stay open to the public after council planners granted permission for it to remain as a tourist attraction.

The decision follows years of wrangling over the future of the £6m Cathedral Close property and its contents, which reflect the former prime minister’s interests in sailing, music and art, after the trustees decided it wasn’t viable as a visitor attraction and should be sold off.

Multi-millionaire businessman Peter Batey, who formerly worked for Sir Edward, stepped in with the aim of raising the money needed to ensure its financial stability and keep it open, but first Wiltshire Council needed to grant permission.

The council received 125 letters regarding the application.

The majority were in support although there were some opposing the plans including from a few Cathedral Close residents and Salisbury Cathedral, which objected on the grounds that evening events at Arundells could cause extra traffic and disruption. Those in support included Keith Vaz MP and Lord Geoffrey Howe.

Last week Wiltshire Council granted planning permission.

In a statement, campaign group The Friends of Arundells said: “This will allow the trustees to move forward with their plans to give Arundells a secure and viable future and for it to become a part of the development of Salisbury as a vibrant city and a major tourist destination.

“The plans for the future are quite modest and will cause little or no additional disruption to the beautiful space that is the Cathedral Close, surely the jewel in the crown of Salisbury’s visitor experience.”

Previously the trustees of the Sir Edward Heath Charitable Foundation wanted to sell Arundells for use as a private house but the sale was blocked by the Charity Commission until Mr Batey’s proposals had been properly developed and investigated.

Three trustees – including former Salisbury MP Robert Key – resigned as a result.

But new trustees have been appointed who support the house remaining open to the public.