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 thrown away.


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


The proposal was to convert the uninhabited noted structure's ground floor 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 rather be utilized as "an out-and-out gaming hall".


According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, preparing documents showed that, had actually the project been greenlit, the developers had intended to get a gambling licence before opening.


As part of the licensing procedure, a risk assessment would have then been performed.


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 ."


Ward councillor Howard Williams stated the proposition went versus regional policy developed to secure shopping areas in Staines town centre, while numerous others added that the adult-only location would do little to support an inclusive, family-friendly space.


Its impact on problems like the general public Space Protection Order (PSPO) currently in location on the High Street was also discussed.


However, some did concede that bringing the structure back into usage could assist create tramp, while previous talk about the application recommended perhaps repurposing it for community benefit.


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


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