Two district councils will have a critical role in deciding the future of the British Grand Prix.

For Prime minister, Gordon Brown, who has named the Silverstone race as a key part of the run-up to the 2012 Olympics, may see his plans thwarted by a local planning committee.

Silverstone's owner, the British Racing Driver's Club, has applied for permission to build new pit facilities, two hotels, a business park, plus an extreme-sport leisure complex.

Formula 1 supremo, Bernie Ecclestone, has warned he will scrap the British Grand Prix unless facilities are modernised. Complicating the issue is the fact that the Silverstone track crosses a council boundary between Aylesbury Vale DC and South Northants DC, so separate approval must be sought.

Concern in Whitehall has prompted a ministerial briefing and a meeting last week between Mr Ecclestone and Gerry Sutcliffe, the sports minister.

‘Britain has a reputation as the home of motor sport, so I think the decade of sport would start to look a little hollow if we lost the British Grand Prix,' Mr Sutcliffe said.

The plans also include a housing development to help pay for the £30m redevelopment, and locals have expressed concern that their village will become a major town as a result. The housing plans have been called in by South Northants DC and will be considered at a full meeting on 2 April.

A South Northants DC spokesman told The MJ: ‘We want to keep the Grand Prix, but it's about finding the right balance.
‘We have a small village and both the council and residents have concerns about the housing.'

And an Aylesbury Vale DC spokesman added: ‘This is an exciting project that will help Silverstone retain the British Grand Prix and strengthen its international role as a world-class motor sport facility.

‘We want Aylesbury Vale to remain the home of Formula 1 in Great Britain.'