Astronomers get permission for mini-observatory

A group of amateur astronomers have been given permission to set up a mini-observatory at a village hall.

Members of the Shropshire Astronomical Society (SAS) now plan to transfer over the out of use dome and telescope once used by the Irish Rangers at the Tern Hill army base near Market Drayton.

They have been based at Rodington Village Hall, near Shrewsbury, for 25 years but think the telescope will raise interest in astronomy.

In granting permission, Telford and Wrekin planners said the curved gloss white fibreglass dome used to house the telescope would be "somewhat unusual" but would add "some visual interest to the site.

In the group's application, the society's Stephen Szwajkun wrote: "It will be a first public astronomical observatory in the area and provide inspiration for the diverse residents of Telford and Wrekin as well as the wider area."

Society chairman Philip Osman said a permanent observatory would encourage participation and also give the group the opportunity to organise community outreach activities.

"The dome will be the only publicly accessible observatory in the county and we hope that this new facility will allow us to broaden our outreach activities and successfully engage with a new generation," he said.

Osman also said an agreement had been reached to purchase the mini observatory in May.

The domed structure is set to be a little less than 2.7m (8ft 9inches) tall and council officials were satisfied that the proposal would not result in unacceptable noise, disturbance or any other disruption for nearby residents.

They added that it was "not considered likely to result in a significant increase in traffic or parking demand".

Planners agreed that it would provide a useful additional community and educational facility.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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