Planning permission is being sought for a stargazing observatory to be installed at Alston Moor Golf Club.
A planning statement accompanying the application said: “Alston Moor has a very low level of light pollution and Alston Moor Golf Club, two miles south east of Alston, has almost none.
“The elevated location of the golf course and the car park affords fabulous views of Cross Fell, Park Fell and the South Tyne Valley during the daylight hours and a wide vista skyline during the hours of darkness.”
The observatory would contain one telescope and a retractable roof which can be operated remotely via an app.
Alston Moor Golf Club, which was founded in 1905, moved to its present location at The Hermitage in 1969 and is the highest golf course in England.
The upper car park is near the clubhouse and easily accessible for vehicles. It can cater for up to 25 cars/vans. It is located at the highest part of the golf course and so the views and visibility of the night sky are said to be excellent. The clubhouse facilities include a first floor meeting/committee room, bar, lounge, kitchen, small meeting room and toilets.
As part of the scheme it is proposed to install solar photo-voltaic panels to the west facing roof of the clubhouse, which has a flat roof extension to the rear, where they will not be seen from the main road or any dwellings in the area.
They will be mounted on the flat roof and with angled frames to maximise the efficiency. The solar panels will ensure the new observatory will be energy sustainable as it will take no electricity from the National Grid and will also help with the clubhouse’s energy conservation.
The statement adds: “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. Alston Moor Golf Club has held two stargazing events in recent years, although the Covid-19 pandemic stopped these gaining momentum.
