Harrow on the Hill neighbours spared 24-hour bingo hall after appeal fails
Ealing Council’s refusal upheld by planning inspector over noise and crime concerns
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Residents of Harrow on the Hill and Hanwell will not face a 24-hour bingo hall after an independent planning inspector upheld Ealing Council’s refusal of the scheme. The decision, issued this week, ends a year-long appeal process by the operator, Pure Gaming Ltd.
The proposed venue at 153-155 Uxbridge Road, beside Hanwell’s clock tower, would have operated around the clock and included adult-only gaming machines. Ealing Council rejected the plans in 2023, citing risks to the town centre’s character and the quality of life for nearby residents.
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Inspector finds evidence lacking
The planning inspector, appointed by the national Planning Inspectorate, agreed with the council’s concerns. The inspector’s report stated there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate the venue would suit a prominent town centre location or maintain an inviting appearance.
The unit is part of a building with residential flats above. Pure Gaming Ltd did not submit a noise impact assessment to address how it would protect residents from disturbance. The inspector noted that 24-hour operation could lead to customers gathering outside at night, increasing noise levels.
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Police raise crime concerns
Metropolitan Police also objected to the plans. They warned that existing crime and antisocial behaviour in the area could worsen with a 24-hour venue. The inspector concluded these risks outweighed the potential benefits, such as bringing an empty unit back into use and creating 14 jobs.
“We want our town centres to be lively, welcoming and successful, but new business proposals must also protect people’s quality of life and contribute positively to the local area.”
Cllr Monica Hamidi, Ealing Council cabinet member for good growth
What happens next
The inspector’s decision is final unless Pure Gaming Ltd challenges it in the High Court within six weeks. Ealing Council confirmed there are no further avenues for appeal. The unit at 153-155 Uxbridge Road remains vacant.
Questions this report answers
+Why did the planning inspector refuse the bingo hall appeal?
The inspector refused the appeal because the proposal lacked evidence of suitability for a prominent town centre location and could harm the area’s character. The venue would have operated 24 hours a day, risking noise disturbance to residents above and increasing antisocial behaviour.
+What concerns did the police raise about the bingo hall?
The Metropolitan Police warned that the 24-hour venue could worsen existing crime and antisocial behaviour in the area. They highlighted potential risks from customers gathering outside at night, which could disturb nearby residents and disrupt the town centre.
+What happens to the vacant unit at 153-155 Uxbridge Road now?
The unit remains vacant after the inspector’s decision, which is final unless challenged in the High Court within six weeks. Ealing Council confirmed there are no further appeal options, so the building stays empty for now.
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