No matter how you classify your club - be it a sport or leisure activity, you will need numbers on your side.
If you can go to a meeting with the council with a list of genuine names of potential racers with an address within the council boundaries then they would show more of an interest. Joking aside, if a lot of seperate letters were written asking for the same facility then even better - a few submitted by females, ethnic minorityies and disabled people would strengthen your case.
If you could demonstrate that the new club could become part of a bigger group like the BRCA and therefore qualify for their third party liability insurance you would be alleviating one of the council's biggest concerns - another point in your favour.
Also mention that a lot of maintanence would be carried out by volunteer club members - the camaraderie and team building aspect is another point in your favour.
Point out the positives for youth participation and education, getting them out in the fresh air, etc., etc., Try and go with a list of potential sponsors as well, they all pay council tax or rates - get some of them on side and take it to the council to show community support.
Best of luck - it's all uphill from here!
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