24-hour Bingo Hall Plan Thrown Away By Council

17 November 2025
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Emily DaltonLocal Democracy Service


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


The decision by Spelthorne Borough Council recently followed an argument amongst councillors and opposition from citizens who explained the concept as "the final stroke" for Staines town centre.


The proposal was to transform the vacant noted building's ground flooring into a 61-seat adult-only bingo hall operating around the clock - a move which developers Sunni Ed Ltd declared would bring "vitality and practicality" back to the area.


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


According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, planning documents suggested that, had actually the project been greenlit, the developers had actually meant to get a gambling licence before opening.


As part of the licensing procedure, a risk evaluation would have then been carried out.


Councillor Denise Saliagopoulos called the strategy "outrageous", stating: "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 envision a couple saying at 10pm, 'Let's go and play bingo'."


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


Its impact on issues like the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) already in place on the High Street was likewise mentioned.


However, some did yield that bringing the building back into usage might assist create tramp, while previous talk about the application suggested perhaps repurposing it for community advantage.


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


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