Plans for Shropshire's 'first public astronomical observatory' given green light

A mini astronomical observatory can be placed near a Shropshire village hall say planners who gave it their universal backing.

Stargazers the Shropshire Astronomical Society (SAS) has been based at Rodington Village Hall, near Shrewsbury, for 25 years where it meets twice a month.

Its members gave planners at Telford & Wrekin Council a galaxy of reasons to support what is believed to be the first public astronomical observatory in the area.

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."

It has also been backed as an 'essential' opportunity for people to engage with STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and astronomy.

Society chairman Philip E Osman wrote that the SAS traces its roots back to 1981 and is today the pre-eminent membership organisation in Shropshire for astronomy and space.

It has been the group's ambition to have a permanently located observatory to encourage participation and to use a larger telescope.

It also gives it the opportunity to organise community outreach activities. Osman wrote that the recent eclipse stimulated a lot of local interest, especially among children and "our hope is that through astronomy we can foster greater interest in the key STEM subjects."

He added that the opportunity to experience what it is like to see the moon or a planet through a significant telescope is unique and to many unforgettable.

"Certainly this has been the case for many of our members, often influencing educational and career choices as a result.

"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."

Osman also wrote that the group has been in discussion with the Irish Rangers at Tern Hill to acquire their (redundant) observatory and telescope.

"We finally completed the purchase in May and entered in to discussions with Rodington Village Hall about the possible siting of the observatory.

"The SAS welcome the support of the Trustees of Rodington Village Hall and members of Rodington Parish Council of the proposal to site the observatory and scope at Rodington with a view to their use by our members and in community programmes."

Council planners wrote that the curved gloss white fibreglass dome used to house the telescope would be "somewhat unusual" but would add "some visual interest to the site.

"Officers consider that the white finish would sit comfortably within the site whilst providing a pleasant contrast against the surrounding grass and vegetation, adding a point of interest and curiosity within the Village Hall grounds," they add.

The dome structure is set to be a little less than 2.7m (8ft 9inches) tall.

Officials were satisfied that the proposal would not result in unacceptable noise, disturbance, overlooking or any other material harm to the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers.

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.

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