Thanks Dave for your reply, I agree totally with your advice especially about setting out rules so as to not lose the use of this beautiful lake, I know that litter etc was a problem in the past, the fishermen are a tidy bunch there but the model boaters let the side down, they now use a lake which is away from the public gaze which a great shame as the lake that I have taken my yacht to and away from the fishermen has gained quite a lot of admiring looks and questions from the general public and I am always happy to help promote our wonderful hobby, I have aspirations to hold open days etc at the lake in order to raise money for local charities, even a help for heroes sailathon etc would be good....thats for the future though, not running before walking I suppose.
As time goes on I will no doubt take up your offer of further advice.

All the best Dave from Dave!

Hi
You have nothing to lose by approaching the local authority to see if model boat sailing is permissable.
If there were problems in the past it would be best to tackle this head on by setting out a few rules for your members so that similar problems would not arise in the future. Many councils do not allow IC engines and very fast electric may not sit well with the fishermen.
For this to work you really will need to have some form of organisation to ensure you do not lose the use of the waters again. The benefits of a club are many, not least that you will become a known entity in the local environment and more able to attract new members. Clubs usually have a designated sailing day(s) and time so there will be more people around to share the experience and enjoy the company.
If the public are also using the lake you will need third party public liability insurance and by affiliating to one of the larger national organisations you will be able to arrange a Club insurance thus ensuring all your members are insured. My own club uses N.A.M.E but there is a southern equivalent as well as other National Organisations.
I know many now use 2.4Ghz radios but some use 27Mhz and 40Mhz sets so some form of frequency peg board will be required to prevent frequency clashes.
If you are sailing as a club it will be easier to control the use of the water and also to help rescue stranded boats.
If you have the will to provide a bit of organisation and guidance a Club is your best bet and also your best chance of getting permission.
It may be possible to do it alone but much harder.
This is quite a large initial task and if you would like more help please pm me, I am secretary of C&D MBC so can give some valid advice. 😀