Villagers demand to view traffic plans for F1 circuit

FORMULA One racing at Donington Park must not lead to nearby villages and an historic bridge being swamped by traffic, councillors have demanded.

South Derbyshire District Council has asked to see event management plans prior to each F1 race at the Castle Donington circuit to minimise road disruption.

Concerns were raised at a meeting last night about congestion the British Grand Prix could cause in Melbourne, Aston, Weston, Kings Newton and Barrow – and potential damage to the 13th-century Swarkestone Bridge.

The request will be put to North West Leicestershire District Council, which can include it as a planning condition, before a special meeting tomorrow. At that meeting, plans for the track's £100m revamp – artist's impressions of which have now been revealed – are expected to be given the green light.

John Harrison, who represents Melbourne and Kings Newton, led calls for South Derbyshire councillors and residents to be consulted on traffic plans.

He said: "This proposed development is a matter of great concern to my constituents. All of these villages are apprehensive about what this is going to mean for them.

"I believe the good people of South Derbyshire deserve the courtesy of a consultation on transport matters which could have a serious adverse impact on their lives."

Neil Atkin, who represents the Aston ward, echoed the call, which was given unanimous support by South Derbyshire council's environment and development committee last night. Mr Atkin also called for noise-monitoring equipment to be installed in villages near the track.

The committee voted to back the redevelopment proposals, despite its fears over traffic and noise.

Council officials in North West Leicestershire have recommended that the plans be approved.

The proposals, part of a deal to bring the British Grand Prix to Donington for a decade from 2010, include alterations to the racetrack and new buildings.

The circuit's straights and bends – Coppice Corner, Starkey's Hill, Melbourne Corner and Wheatcroft Straight – would be realigned.

A new pit lane and paddock would be built, along with six grandstands for 67,890 race fans and a new media centre.

The application does not include proposals to improve the surrounding road network.

However, it is likely that the plans will be subject to a number of conditions.

They include no more than 40 motor racing days a year and temporary grandstands during the summer months only.

On-site parking during F1 events will be restricted to disabled visitors, VIPs and campers staying for the entire weekend, with most spectators being ferried in on buses.