Bingo hall approved for former Halifax in Biggleswade town centre
Fears have been voiced that a new bingo hall approved in Biggleswade town centre could become an amusement arcade.
Enforcement action could be taken to prevent this happening, a meeting of Central Bedfordshire Council’s development management committee heard.
Applicant Sunni-ed Limited submitted full plans for a change of use of the former Halifax bank, 20 to 22 High Street, to a bingo hall.
These proposals are for a modern approach to this form of gaming, with touch screen technology and no bingo caller involved.
The vacant premises is a two-storey detached building located in the primary shopping area of Biggleswade town centre, according to a report to the committee.
“It’s considered that proposal won’t result in a harmful impact on the vitality and viability of that locality,” said the report.
Planning officer Julia Ward told the committee: “This seeks a change of use of the ground and basement levels from a bank to a bingo hall.
“Other alterations involve new doors at the front and side of the premises,” she said. “The building has been empty since July 2024 and has been marketed during that time.
“A separate application to change the use of the first floor to two self-contained flats is under consideration by this council. A security statement was submitted as part of the application, saying the premises will benefit from fully digital overt and covert 24/7 CCTV coverage.
“The use as a bingo hall would increase footfall in the town centre, while the hours proposed are consistent with other similar uses.”
The Central Bedfordshire Community Network Biggleswade West councillor Hayley Whitaker referred to being “less concerned about noise affecting neighbouring properties” after changes to the originally requested opening hours.
“One of the main reasons for calling in this application is the loss of town centre vitality,” she explained.
“There’s a magnificent bingo hall called Flutters on Station Road, which is an old cinema and a beautiful building. It’s popular with residents and I hope their loyalty remains, if this gets permission.
“I don’t think this brings anything to Biggleswade we don’t have already. What’s it’s leading to is concern and fear of crime, in particular.
“The applicant has applied to do this in other areas, including Dunstable and Staines. In each case, similar applications have been refused for the reasons I’ve set out today and the applicant has then won on appeal.
“I’m realistic about what we can do here. While I would love you to refuse this, it’s making sure the conditions are as good as they can be and that it doesn’t become an amusement arcade, as this is what people are concerned about.
“If a request to serve alcohol was submitted, it would be dealt with by licensing. I’d feel strongly against that prospect and if there were more amusement machines than bingo activity, which is another licensing issue.”
The Green Party Ampthill councillor Susan Clinch suggested: “The hours should at least correspond to the current bingo hall and not be shorter.”
Biggleswade Town Council objects “because of the potential to cause significant negative impact locally by heightening the community’s fear of crime”, added the report.
“It would also increase the risk of encouraging forms of gambling, which may adversely affect individuals already financially vulnerable. BTC notes the project appears to be dependent on the successful approval of a gambling licence application from the Gambling Commission.”
Councillors unanimously agreed the change of use, with daily opening hours of 10am to 10.30pm.