F1 circuit drops housing proposal

Bernie Ecclestone said Silverstone is the sport's worst circuit

A planned housing development has been dropped from the proposals to upgrade Silverstone's Formula One circuit.

The circuit, labelled racing's worst by F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, is to be improved to secure the British Grand Prix a place on the race calendar.

Owners The British Racing Drivers' Club agreed to drop the homes plan at a council meeting on Wednesday.

An updated master plan and development brief will be adopted by South Northamptonshire Council.

South Northamptonshire Council wanted the housing development dropped from the proposals, following consultations with the local community.

Aylesbury Vale District Council has already adopted the development brief.

Richard Phillips, managing director of Silverstone Circuits Ltd, said: "We have listened closely to the local community and decided that removing the houses proposed in the development brief was the best way forward for the project.

Donington Park

"Overcoming this hurdle now allows us to press ahead with our plans for developing Silverstone into a world leading motor sport venue.

"We expect to be starting work on new facilities early in the New Year," he added.

The development brief, which has been prepared by independent consultants on behalf of South Northamptonshire Council and Aylesbury Vale, sets out plans for sustainable development of the circuit.

Proposals include a new pit and paddock complex for the circuit along with a manufacturer test centre, business park, two hotels and a university campus.

Silverstone's contract to stage the British GP expires in 2009, but a £25m redevelopment has been approved by the British Racing Drivers' Club, who own the Northamptonshire circuit.

A move from 2010 to Donington Park in Leicestershire - as part of a new 10-year deal - was announced earlier this month.