STARGAZERS may soon be able to scan the skies from a new observatory in Alston.

Plans for a small-scale observatory at the Alston Moor Golf Club have been submitted to Eden District Council.

In a planning statement, agents Architectural Design And Planning Limited said: "The availability of an observatory on Alston Moor will be one more attraction to the area for visitors and tourists.

"It will also be an educational and recreational facility for a broad range of ages of residents of Alston Moor and nearby.

"It will compliment the use of the golf clubhouse, especially during the winter months when the skies are dark and the golf course is not in full use due to the weather and short days."

The planning statement said the observatory, located on the North end of the upper car park, will be around seven metres by five metres, with a covered area adjacent to the building and it will be three metres high.

The timber building will consist of one room which will house two telescopes, a small workspace and a sliding flat roof, plans show.

It will be powered by an array of solar panels.

There are plans for a new astronomical society, Alston Moor Observatory Society, (AMOS), to be formed "to ensure the observatory is run properly, responsibly and sustainably".

"The observatory will be available for on-site lectures and demonstrations in conjunction with the Golf Club who could provide the toilets, bar, catering and conference room," the statement added.

The golf club has held two stargazing events in recent years.

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The agent said: "Amateur astronomy is becoming very popular with relatively recently observatories being constructed at Allenheads, Battlesteads, Grassholme, Kielder, Sunderland and Twice Brewed near Haltwhistle.

"These venues are well supported and are in high demand especially when there is a meteor shower or other astronomical event."

Letters in support of the proposed observatory have been received from North Pennines, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Alston Moor Parish Council, Alston Moor Business Association and Cumbria Tourism.

For more details, visit the Eden District Council's planning portal and search reference number 23/0079.

The consultation period ends on March 9.