A planning inspector has overturned Spelthorne Borough Council’s decision to refuse permission for a round-the-clock bingo venue in Staines town centre.
The former NatWest branch on the High Street will now be transformed into a 61-seat gambling establishment catering exclusively to adults, following a successful appeal against the council’s rejection.
Local authority members had voted against the controversial scheme in November 2025, arguing it would damage the high street and conflict with planning policies for the town centre.
Inspector H Marriott ruled in favour of the developer, concluding that bingo halls are considered suitable uses for town centre locations.
The building has stood vacant for approximately twelve months since the bank’s departure.
During the original planning committee meeting, several councillors expressed scepticism about the true nature of the proposed establishment, with some describing it as an “out-and-out gambling centre” rather than a legitimate bingo operation.
Members also voiced unease about the venue’s intention to operate twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
The adults-only admission policy drew additional criticism from councillors, who questioned whether such restrictions were appropriate for a town centre location.
Members also voiced unease about the venue’s intention to operate twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week
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The council maintained that permitting the development would undermine Staines’ high street and run contrary to established planning guidance for the area.
These objections ultimately proved unsuccessful at appeal, with the planning inspector taking a markedly different view of the proposal’s suitability for the site.
In the appeal decision, Inspector Marriott acknowledged that town centres across the country are undergoing significant transformation, with traditional banks and retail outlets becoming increasingly scarce.
The ruling stated: “Given the increased competition from online retail and services, it is also realistic to acknowledge that [the site] may not return to a bank or similar Class E use.”
The building has stood vacant for approximately twelve months since the bank’s departure
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Rather than harming the local area, the inspector concluded that returning the vacant premises to active use would provide a positive contribution to Staines town centre.
The decision emphasised that bingo halls are recognised as appropriate uses within town centre locations under planning policy.
This reasoning directly contradicted the council’s position that the development would be detrimental to the high street’s character and vitality.
The inspector found no compelling evidence that the bingo hall would cause noise disturbance or harm to nearby residents.
However, the bingo hall intends to remain open throughout the night.
Inspector Marriott noted that the premises will sit within a bustling town centre where late-night activity is already commonplace.
He also pointed out that the council’s own environmental health officers had not raised any objections to the scheme.
Claims that the venue would attract crime or antisocial behaviour were similarly rejected.
Claims that the venue would attract crime or antisocial behaviour were similarly rejected
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The inspector found no substantiation for such concerns.
Regarding broader anxieties about gambling-related harm, the decision noted these issues are addressed through separate regulatory frameworks, including the Gambling Act 2005.
The developer has been granted three years to complete the conversion.
There are no restrictions placed on operating hours.