'The scheme reflects a poor understanding of the site and the opportunities it offers'
THE DESIGN plan for the new Donington Park circuit, which is losing MotoGP and gaining Formula One in 2010, has come under attack from the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment(CABE).
The design review said the proposed scheme at Donington Park reflected "a poor understanding of the site and the opportunities it offers", reports an article in today's Telegraph.
The venue has been granted planning permission upgrade the circuit following the 10-year agreement with Formula One's supremo ageing midget, Bernie Ecclestone.
CABE's report said: "We think Donington Park could provide an exceptional setting for the British Grand Prix and we welcome the proposal to develop new facilities for Formula One on this site to represent Great Britain on the world stage. However, the scheme reflects a poor understanding of the site and the opportunities it offers.
"The proposal represents a missed opportunity for Donington Park and we urge the design team to address the concerns raised below before planning permission is granted."
circuit owner Simon Gillett today said of CABE's findings:
"While we recognise CABE's expertise on design and town planning, Donington Park is not a town, and our singular aim – to become the world's leading race circuit – led us to appoint the world leader in F1 circuit design."
Gillett went on to say: "The proof of that will be on the completion of the project in 2010, rather than on flat drawings in a design office."
