Brent Council’s planning officers have recommended councillors approve plans submitted by Star Commercial Property to convert a former bank in Willesden into a bingo hall.

The Lloyds building has remained vacant since March 2024, with Star keen to create a new gaming venue on the ground floor, with storage and offices in the basement.

“The proposed change of use to a bingo hall accords with the Council’s adopted policies as it falls within a main town centre use,” stated the planning officer’s report. “Minor external changes are proposed to the shopfront of the site, for which there are no impacts with regards to the character and appearance of the conservation area.”

“Subject to conditions to limit opening hours to protect the neighbouring occupiers, the use will sufficiently protect neighbouring amenity. Furthermore, subject to transport related conditions, the use will provide the required servicing needs and cycle storage facilities for the users of the premises.”

The initial application requests permission to remain open until 1am on Sunday mornings, however it is expected councillors will contest this late-night opening if they vote to approve the plans this week.

To facilitate the change of use, the application proposes a new street-facing front entrance and ground floor window, but planning officers noted “there would be no impact on the elevations of the property and no impact to the streetscene.”