24-hour Bingo Hall Plan Tossed Out By Council

17 November 2025
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Emily DaltonLocal Democracy Reporting Service


A strategy to turn a former branch of NatWest bank in Surrey into a 24-hour bingo hall has been tossed out.


The decision by Spelthorne Borough Council last week followed an argument amongst councillors and opposition from homeowners who described the idea as "the last straw" for Staines town centre.


The proposition was to transform the vacant listed building's ground floor into a 61-seat adult-only bingo hall operating around the clock - a relocation which developers Sunni Ed Ltd claimed would bring "vigor and viability" back to the area.


But some dissenters questioned whether the site would rather be utilized as "an out-and-out gaming hall".


According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, planning files showed that, had the project been greenlit, the developers had planned to get a gambling licence before opening.


As part of the licensing process, a danger evaluation would have then been performed.


Councillor Denise Saliagopoulos called the strategy "outrageous", saying: "We're going down a domino effect.


"Why would anybody wish to play bingo 24 hours a day?" asked Councillor Chris Bateson.


"I can't picture a couple stating at 10pm, 'Let's go and ."


Ward councillor Howard Williams said the proposal broke local policy created to secure shopping areas in Staines town centre, while numerous others added that the adult-only place would do little to support an inclusive, family-friendly space.


Its effect on problems like the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) currently in place on the High Street was also pointed out.


However, some did concede that bringing the building back into use might help create footfall, while previous talk about the application suggested perhaps repurposing it for neighborhood advantage.


Other ideas consisted of turning it into a post workplace, a cultural centre, a health and wellbeing hub or independent stores.


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