24-hour Bingo Hall Plan Thrown Away By Council

17 November 2025
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Emily DaltonLocal Democracy Reporting 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 choice by Spelthorne Borough Council recently followed an argument among councillors and opposition from locals who described 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 running around the clock - a relocation which designers Sunni Ed Ltd declared would bring "vigor and practicality" back to the location.


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


According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, planning files indicated that, had actually the job been greenlit, the developers had actually planned to look for a betting licence before opening.


As part of the licensing process, a danger assessment would have then been carried out.


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


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


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


Ward councillor Howard Williams stated the proposition broke regional policy developed to protect shopping areas in Staines town centre, while a number of others added that the adult-only venue would do little to support an inclusive, family-friendly area.


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


However, some did yield that bringing the structure back into usage could help produce footfall, while previous remarks on the application suggested potentially repurposing it for community benefit.


Other concepts included turning it into a post workplace, a cultural centre, a health and wellbeing center or independent stores.


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