Astronomers in Edinburgh could soon be making new discoveries in space if they are given the green light for a new laboratory.

Nasa has backed plans for the Royal Observatory, on the city's Blackford Hill, to replace an exisiting building with a new space laboratory.

If planning permission is approved, the astronomers will install bigger telescopes which would allow them to see deeper into space.

Dan Hiller, manager of the observatory's visitor centre, said if planning permission is not granted, it is unlikely astronomers in the city will make many new discoveries.

Astronomy will only move forward with the advancement of technology

Dan Hillier, Royal observatory

He said: "If the plans are approved, we can have a larger lab than at present, which means we can have larger telescopes.

"Telescopes are getting larger as technology develops and astronomy will only move forward with the advancement of technology.

"A larger telescope has a bigger mirror and therefore there is more light which will enable us to see fainter objects in the sky and ultimately lead us to making more discoveries."

The proposal has been backed by Nasa who sent a letter of support for the project.

Safety issues

But the plans have been met with objections from residents who are concerned about building and safety issues.

Edinburgh City Council said 10 residents have filed complaints worried about disruption to their neighbourhood while the building work is carried out.

Specific complaints included increased traffic in the area with heavy trucks carrying supplies up and down a relatively quiet street.

The new lab will allow new telescope parts to be built

Questions were also raised over building safety with some people concerned that the new building may have an impact on existing structures.

Additional concerns were road safety and the possibility that the city's skyline could be spoiled.

The observatory said the new facility has been designed in a way so that it would not break the skyline.

Residents have also written their concerns to their local MP, Nigel Griffiths, urging him to back their argument.

Mr Griffiths refused to comment on the plans to BBC Scotland.

Planning officers are due to make their decision on the new facility on Wednesday.