Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd has revealed that it submitted plans for the first phase of the proposed re-development of Donington Park with North West Leicestershire District Council earlier today.

The circuit faces massive re-development in preparation for the British Grand Prix, which is due to be staged at the circuit from 2010.

"The submission of these plans heralds the start of a massive re-development project and a new era for Donington Park," said the circuit's Chief Executive Officer Simon Gillett. "It's an incredibly exciting time for everybody involved. We are delighted with the plans and when the work is completed we will have a facility that will be the pride of World Championship motorsport."

With the North West Leicestershire District Council not due to announce its decision on the proposal until early November, today has been difficult for Donington Ventures with Lee Gill (Chief Operation Officer), Peter Edwards (Financial Controller) and PR company Sidhu & Simon Communications all resigning.

It's understood the 2009 programme of major events at Donington including the British Motorcycle Grand Prix and the World Superbike Championship will be unaffected by the re-development.