Former Surrey high street bank could be transformed into bingo hall
From saving money to spending it – a former bank on a Surrey high street could gain a new lease of life as a bingo hall.
The ground floor of the old NatWest bank in Staines could be transformed into a bingo hall under new plans submitted to Spelthorne Borough Council.
The application, lodged by Sunni-Ed Ltd, seeks permission to change the use of the ground floor of 67 High Street from a long-vacant bank into a leisure venue.
The upper floors of the end-terrace building – once used as offices and staff accommodation – would not be affected.
The planning statement read: “A bingo hall in place of a vacant bank will add to the vitality and viability of the town centre by trading seven days a week.
“Changing the use of the site will not reduce the retail offer and will benefit the centre by increasing footfall.”
Outline drawings of the scheme reveal up to 81 seats with playing tables, a customer service desk, an office and five toilets.
Planning documents claim there is no evidence that late-night gambling will cause noise or disturbance on the high street.
The developer says the premises would be subject to a separate licence under the Gambling Act 2005, requiring measures such as door supervisors, age restrictions, and safeguarding protections for vulnerable people.
Noise insulation could also be installed if the upper floors were later converted into residential accommodation, the planning documents added.
Comments are welcome on the plans until October 7, with Spelthorne council hoping to make a decision later this year.