PLANS to transform Donington Park into a world-class Formula One racing venue are expected to get the green light tomorrow.

Council officials have recommended that the plans be approved, but the final decision will be taken by politicians at North-West Leicestershire District Council.

The council's planning committee will meet from 5pm to decide on the proposals – and race bosses are looking to start work on the track improvements as soon as they get the go-ahead.

Dave Fearn, spokesman for Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd, said: "We are optimistic that everything will go in our favour. It is a culmination of a lot of hard work by everybody on all fronts.

"There is a strong determination to make it succeed. Work is set to start as soon as permission is granted."

The £100m plans – which will bring the British Grand Prix to the track 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 – will be realigned.

The track will be widened and have a new inner section bringing one of motor sport's steepest climbs.

A new pit lane and paddock would be installed, housing 36 bays for F1 teams and their cars.

And six grandstands will accommodate 67,890 punters and a new media centre will cater for 500 journalists.

The planned clubhouse would feature bars, lounges, restaurants, a spa, gym, a small swimming pool, cinema and ballrooms.

The plans are subject to a number of conditions, which include no more than 40 motor racing days per calendar year and that temporary grandstands can only be erected during the summer, between April and September.

Eighteen letters had been submitted to the council, raising issues such as increased traffic levels, parking and noise problems.

But parking during Formula One weekends is proposed to keep the vast majority of motorists off-site.

Only disabled visitors, VIPs and campers staying for the weekend would leave their vehicles at Donington Park.

Vehicles carrying four or more ticket holders would be allowed to park in one of three nearby off-site temporary car parks and walk to the track.

Fleets of buses would collect most other spectators from Nottingham, Leicester and Derby, while passengers arriving at East Midlands Airport would get transport straight to the track.

A report to North-West Leicestershire District Council states: "Having regard to all material considerations, including the current regime of planning controls under which the Donington Park motor racing circuit operates, the proposed development would not have an unacceptable impact on the surrounding area".

A report by Mark Alflat, director of community services at South Derbyshire District Council, which has been consulted for the plans, states: "This would bring new investment and highly-skilled employment opportunities to the area."

chris.birkle@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk