Circuit of Wales makes progress

The Circuit of Wales project, which is attempting to become Britain's new MotoGP venue, has moved a step closer to being able to begin construction.

The Heads of the Valleys Development Company's proposed track in Blaenau Gwent had been held up by a public inquiry. This was among the factors that led to MotoGP's British Grand Prix returning to Silverstone for 2015, which should have been the first season of its initial five-year deal to run at the Welsh venue.

The HOTVDC firm announced on Friday that following the inquiry Rebecca Evans, the Welsh Assembly's deputy minister for farming and food, was now "minded to grant the application" required for construction work to become on the area of common land intended for the circuit.

Although this permission was granted subject to "previously agreed conditions regarding the commoners' rights," HOTVDC chief executive Michael Carrick said this should now be a formality.

"This is an important step in the process to de-register the common land and we will continue to work towards a successful conclusion in 2015," he said. "Throughout the public inquiry we presented detailed plans for substantial onsite and offsite mitigation and highlighted the suitability of replacement land.

"An independent Welsh Media survey showed 93 per cent of local residents, the commoners, local councils and Natural Resources Wales support these measures, which will lead to improved maintenance and ease of access to the replacement common land."

The British GP is currently scheduled to move to the CofW for the 2016 season.

Originally on Autosport.com