A new bingo hall has been approved for Staines High Street by the planning inspector on appeal, three months after Spelthorne Borough Council rejected the proposals for the former bank.

Councillors had declined the original application in November citing concerns over crime and anti-social behaviour, however the inspector highlighted the venue’s potential value to the area.

“In the appeal decision, Inspector H Marriott said bingo halls are recognised as appropriate for town centres,” reported Surrey Live. “The inspector pointed out that town centres are changing with fewer traditional banks and shops than in the past.”

“It added that bringing the empty building back into use would likely give Staines town centre a boost rather than dragging it down. The former bank had been sitting empty for about a year.”

Marriott’s decision noted it is also “realistic to acknowledge” that the site will likely not return as a bank or similar Class E use, and highlighted the lack of evidence to prove the bingo hall would create harmful noise or disturbance.

“The decision noted that the site is in a location where late-night activity already exists, and that the council’s environmental health team had not objected.”

“Concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour were also dismissed, with no evidence provided to show the bingo hall would lead to increased problems.”