Donington Park could be getting 4,250 new neighbours
A new housing and business development is being discussed that could spring up on the doorstep of one of the UK’s best-loved racing tracks - Donington Park.
The government’s push to build more affordable housing is at full throttle, although this latest development, which is set to neighbour Donington Park, could be a bad idea.
The new development will see around 4,250 new homes built, which, as reported by the BBC, could bring around 10,000 new residents to the area. On top of the homes being discussed, a secondary and two primary schools, various shops, hotels, a leisure centre and sports facilities could be built on the land.
The location of the planned development, called Isley Woodhouse, is opposite East Midlands Airport, in the space between the small villages of Isely Walton, Diseworth, and Tonge. If you have ever had to nip to the BP at the entrance of the airport for fuel before, the site is all the land on the south side of the A453 as you ride towards the main airport entrance.
Increasing the number of affordable homes is always a good thing, and the site is reported to include around 1,200 homes classed in this way. The proximity of the new town, though, to one of the UK’s best-loved motorsport venues is a little concerning.
It’s a story almost as old as motorsport itself, in that a neighbour or a community moves close to a motorsport venue that has already been operational for a number of years. Those unhappy with the noise (much of which can be created at weekends), complain to the local council, which will, in many cases, bow to the pressure of the residents and apply restrictions on the venue, making it harder for it to operate as it once did.
At present, Donington Park hosts a variety of testing and trackdays, as well as BSB, World Superbikes, British Touring Cars, GT and LMS racing, classic events and even truck racing. It’s one of the UK’s busiest venues, and also one of the most cherished, especially with those experiencing the track on two wheels.
You may like to read our Donington Park trackday riding guide, written by Niall Mackenzie.
Preliminary plans for the project have now been handed in, although there is still a consultation ongoing with North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC). That consultation runs until 12 August, with NWLDC hopeful of concluding the matter by October 2025.
You can view the consultation for yourself on the official website.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
