A NEW permanent observatory for use by astronomers and scouting groups could be created if proposals for a well-known scout site are given the go ahead.

Plans have been submitted by Aire Valley Scouts at the Sconce Camp Site at Sconce Lane in Baildon.

It's hoped the proposals will help to improve "deteriorating" buildings, disabled facilities and drop-off and pick-up congestion around the site.

The group also want to make the most of the site's rural position for astronomy.

The application says: "The campsite is fortunate to be on the edge of the moor and some distance from urban lights.

"The Bradford Astronomical Society have a regular booking to use the building and car park for winter evening meetings.

"They currently bring portable telescopes on each evening and view from the car park. The proposals provides them with a permanent ‘observatory’ to house a larger telescope to improve their visits to the site."

It adds: "Astronomy is an activity encouraged by scouting and there are a number of badges which can be done.

"The Bradford Astronomy Society have agreed to help run astronomy for scouts in exchange for the site allowing them to retain an observatory on site."

It would be an adapted timber shed with a sliding roof and timber cladding to match other buildings on site. The location has been chosen to provide the best view.

At the moment, the campsite is used predominantly at weekends by scout groups, which typically arrive on a Friday evening and leave on Sunday afternoon.

It is also used by other groups including schools, youth organisations and those taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh award programme.

The application says: "Aire Valley Scouts recognise that in order to continue to provide a scout facility for local young people and to remain financially sustainable, there is a need to ensure that the facility is used by a wider cross section of the community and more intensely.

"The site was largely redeveloped in the 1980’s when scouting was still for boys only with only a few female leaders and some Guide groups as the only female users.

"The buildings do not provide good facilities for mixed groups with females being disadvantaged. The buildings are also inadequate for many groups who now want to use the facilities but have young people with access issues and special needs."

It adds: "The scouts recognise the aim of the equality act and are seeking to make the site as accessible and flexible to meet the needs of all groups.

"Many groups already say that the site is better than many other campsites and activity

centres. However, this still often involves groups compromising and making adaptations to suit their group or having to limit use for some individuals."

The application adds: "The proposed improvements will greatly improve the experience offered, allow the site to maintain a strong reputation through maintaining high quality facilities and allow greater use by groups with disadvantaged children including local schools and meet the needs of inclusive groups of scouts and other young persons' organisations."