One man has set his sights on the stars as he seeks to get permission to build an astronomical observatory in High Easter.

Adam Lang, 31, who lives in the village, hopes to set up an astronomy society if his proposal is accepted by Uttlesford District Council’s ­planning committee.

He has submitted an application to build a three-bedroom detached house, on two levels, with a garage plus a community-use astronomical observatory.

The observatory will be in a field to provide an unobstructed line of sight to the night sky. It will be 2.7m in diameter and just under 6m in area – allowing four to five people in at one time.

Mr Lang said the dome observatory, which could cost up to £5,000 to build, would improve facilities for the community.

He added: “The idea just came from my interest in astronomy. The trouble I have at the moment is it takes quite a long time to set up my equipment. With the observatory I would be able to leave it set up.”

Mr Lang, who works in the public sector, has been drumming up support about his plan online.

He has received a great response from people with similar interests in Essex and he hopes in the future programmes such as BBC Star Gazing Live could film from his site.

His interest in astronomy started around five years ago when he was given his first telescope.

“People in Essex do travel to places where they can get the best view and I think the position for my observatory is a good spot,” Mr Lang said.

The proposal, if given the thumbs up, would also solve his issue of not being able to afford a home in the area.

“I live with my parents at the moment because I have not been able to afford to buy around here,” he added. “It is very expensive but I love the area and want to stay.”