Observatory planforpark

A project to create a new observatory building at Mugdock Country Park has been approved by Stirling Council planners.

The Astronomical Society of Glasgow is creating a new single-storey observatory building on greenbelt at the edge of the park thanks to the legacy of a late past-president.

The Eric Tomney Memorial Observatory will fulfil a wish by the amateur society to have its own facility.

ASG had previously received full planning permission on the same site for a larger scheme, however permission has since expired and they wanted a smaller design.

The organisation has a longstanding relationship with Mugdock Country Park, holding seasonal events for both its members and the general public within the park’s grounds, and East Dunbartonshire Council has agreed to lease a section of land to the north of the park to The ASG for them to site an observatory for use by ASG members.

The observatory will only be accessed by ASG members and will not open to the public.

One representation was made on the application raising concerns that the proposal was “at odds” with the setting.

However, in their decision, council planners said: “It is accepted that the appearance of shipping containers is stark and functional, however, the application has given consideration to this and the base container structure is to be disguised using timber, helping to tie it into its rural context. Also the shipping containers are to be painted with a marine grade finish to a colour that best compliments the site and details of the agreed colour is a condition of this approval.

“Overall it is considered the proposals will not harm the character and appearance of the area.”