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 actually been tossed out.


The decision by Spelthorne Borough Council last week followed a dispute among councillors and opposition from homeowners who described the idea as "the final stroke" for Staines town centre.


The proposition was to convert the uninhabited noted building's ground flooring into a 61-seat adult-only bingo hall operating all the time - a relocation which designers Sunni Ed Ltd claimed would bring "vigor and practicality" back to the location.


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


According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, planning files showed that, had actually the task been greenlit, the developers had intended to obtain a before opening.


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


Councillor Denise Saliagopoulos called the plan "outrageous", saying: "We're decreasing a slippery slope.


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


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


Ward councillor Howard Williams said the proposition broke regional policy designed to secure shopping spaces in Staines town centre, while several others included that the adult-only place would do little to support an inclusive, family-friendly area.


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


However, some did concede that bringing the structure back into use might help generate tramp, while previous remarks on the application recommended potentially repurposing it for community benefit.


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


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