Crash.Net helpfully points out that a Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) report into Donington Park’s Formula 1 redevelopment plans has been posted online. The full text is here, but let me pick out a few highlights:

• “…reflects a poor understanding…”
• “…absence of a comprehensive masterplan…”
• “…missed opportunity…”
• “…disappointingly weak…”

CABE’s main criticisms are that there’s no “comprehensive masterplan,” which will lead to “haphazard, piecemeal” future development; that better use could have been made of the circuit’s green surroundings; and that with the iconic Dunlop bridge being removed, the new buildings do not appear to be suitably impressive to fill that void.

The report was completed prior to planning permission being granted, so it’s release now is largely academic. Crash.Net quotes Simon Gillett as responding as follows:

“Many of the issues will continue to be addressed. While we recognise the commission’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.”

Donington Park has already surprised many doubters by getting planning permission and beginning the work required though, so actually I remain reasonably optimistic about the whole endeavour.

It’s just the transport infrastructure I’m really worried about - my hours stuck in a field after the MotoGP race won’t be forgotten easily. To that end, the idea of park and ride - mooted in CABE’s report - is very attractive.