Jul.9 (GMM) Donington Park does not yet have planning permission to carry out the work necessary to host the British grand prix in 2010.

Paddock observers have pointed out the solemn task the venue faces in finding not only the money but the time to get up to Bernie Ecclestone's high standards as it takes over from Silverstone.

The Guardian newspaper now reveals that planning documents have not yet even been submitted to the local North West Leicestershire district council.

"We have not yet actually received the planning application although we have been talking through the project with the race promoters during the phase prior to last week's official announcement," a council spokesman, Ian Hill, confirmed.

"Obviously we have little experience of a project on this scale and once we become involved we will be looking at it from an overall viewpoint, talking to the owners on an ongoing basis.

"Our approach will be dictated by the need to get things right for such a major global sporting event, while at the same time addressing whatever needs and concerns arise among the local residents.

"Of course the sheer scale of this project is such that we will be working closely with the highways agency and the police authorities from the very start," he added.

The Guardian recalls that, in 1999, Brands Hatch similarly tried to satisfy Ecclestone's high standards and host the British grand prix, but the event ultimately stayed at Silverstone, the event's permanent host since 1987.