Plans for the £100m redevelopment of Donington Park motor racing circuit near Kegworth, Leicestershire, have been given the green light by the local authority.

North West Leicestershire District Council granted planning permission for the first stage of improvements at the venue to be carried out in preparation for the British Formula One Grand Prix, which will be staged at the venue for 10 years starting in 2010. The scheme includes the rebuilding and relocation of Donington Park's paddock and pit complex, allowing for a three-mile extension of the race track designed by renowned Formula One circuit architect, Hermann Tilke, to incorporate new corners and the reconfiguration of existing bends.

A new media and race control centre, a clubhouse and hospitality suites are also earmarked for the venue as part of the redevelopment, which it is expected will be completed in time for the British Grand Prix in July 2010. Simon Gillett, chief executive of Donington Park, said: "This is a major step forward and one more target delivered. I remain committed to approaching every stage of this development with the same passion and vigour with which we attacked the planning stage.

"My eye is always on that fixed end date of July 2010. I remain confident and positive that we can and will achieve everything that we have promised and I won't rest until I am watching the British Grand Prix at Donington Park next year." The 1993 European Grand Prix was the last Formula One event to be held at Donington Park, but the sport's management announced in July last year that the Leicestershire circuit would replace Silverstone in Northamptonshire as the new home of the British Grand Prix.

Donington Park will also continue to host the 2009 British Motorcycle Grand Prix and the World Superbike Championship, which will be unaffected by the redevelopment.