MOTOGP: Circuit of Wales gets land approval

Britain's future MotoGP venue the Circuit of Wales has cleared its final major planning hurdle, with the permission to purchase its future site granted.

With the area designated as 'common' land, public permission was required for the 830-acre Blaenau Gwent site to be sold to the Heads of the Valleys Development Company. That process was delayed by a public inquiry into the future circuit's use and environmental impact.

Approval has now been granted for the deregistration of the land by Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, Rebecca Evans.

"For the reasons articulated in the report – both by the inspector but also by other parties – I believe the socio-economic benefits that will result from the deregistration of the common land will be of significant public benefit to both the immediate area and beyond," Evans said.

The group confirmed that financing for the $465m project is in place and that a construction timeframe will be outlined when due diligence and contractor negotiations are completed.

Martin Whitaker, former CEO of Bahrain International Circuit and V8 Supercars, has also been named as the Circuit of Wales CEO.

"It is with enormous excitement that I look forward to working with Michael [Carrick, HOTVDC CEO] and the team at the Circuit of Wales to deliver this unique project for the British motorsport industry, the automobile industry and the people of Blaenau Gwent," Whitaker said.

"I am passionate about the economic and social benefits that a venue such as the Circuit of Wales will bring, and firmly believe that the time is ripe for this development not only as an amazing entertainment and leisure center, but also as an invaluable resource for the entire British motorsport and automotive industry."

Originally on Autosport.com