Local council backs Donington GP

(GMM) An environmental study into the impact of a formula one race at Donington Park claims the area will benefit from the British grand prix moving from Silverstone.

It is a shot of good news for the venue, whose contract to stage the British round of the championship from 2010 has attracted much skepticism.

The South Derbyshire District Council's positive findings, revealed in the local Evening Telegraph newspaper, comes as the final decision about planning permission is due to be issued by the North West Leicestershire District Council this Thursday.

Environmental chiefs at South Derbyshire had looked into impacts such as increased noise and traffic, but found that the project should proceed because of the benefits to the area.

Director of community services Mark Alflat said: "The development offers substantial economic opportunities. The grand prix has the potential to attract both visitor spend and inward investment.

"New facilities, along with associated developments, will create substantial construction employment opportunities.

"This would bring new investment and highly skilled employment opportunities to the area."

Donington Park boss Simon Gillet commented: "We are confident we have the planning in the bag."