www.donington-park.co.uk/news/2011/11/02/donington-park-gets-approval-for-more-race-days
Donington Park Racing are pleased to confirm that planning permission has been approved for 60 Race Days per annum for the next two years. This has been the culmination of 6 months work by the Donington Park team who have been working with North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) and local communities to ensure that this historic motor racing venue continues to operate. The planning permission incorporated some significant benefits for the local residents, decreasing the number of unsilenced race days from 40 to 20 and also the introduction of a Noise Management Plan. The Noise Management Plan was offered by Donington Park as a way ahead to ensure that the noise impact from the race circuit is minimised.
The grant of this planning permission was extremely important to Donington Park, and will help to ensure its continued success since re-opening in 2010. Donington are confident that all of the race days will be taken for 2012 with several race promoters waiting for this important decision. Robert Fearnall, Race Director said that "we have been under constant pressure to release dates for the 2012 season and have been working closely with promoters and the racing authorities. This decision enables us to agree a full calendar for 2012."
Kevin Wheatcroft, Donington Parks Owner and Executive Chairman, was very relieved that the permission had been granted. He said "we knew that we were going to have a tough time during the first 2 years of re-opening Donington Park with the investment required to see racing again at Donington. Without this permission, keeping Donington Park alive was going to be increasingly difficult."
Donington Park Racing have initially been granted two years permission at 60 race days. Over this two year period, Donington are positive they will demonstrate that they can operate the circuit responsibly and keep the impact to a minimum. At the same time, they will continue to work closely with NWLDC and local communities who do recognise the important cultural and financial contribution Donington Park makes to the District and Region.
