Hanwell Campaigners Celebrate After 24-hour Slot Casino Blocked

Council officer concludes proposal would harm the town centre

Hanwell residents protesting against the proposal by the Clock Tower last Thursday

August 31, 2025

The campaign against the proposed 24-hour slot casino near the Hanwell Clock Tower is celebrating following the decision to refuse the application this Friday (29 August).

The ruling by a borough planning officer came the day after residents assembled near the site to protest against the plan.

Ealing Council has refused planning permission for the proposed change of use from a hot food takeaway to a 24-hour bingo hall at 153–155 Uxbridge Road,. The application, submitted by Pure Gaming Ltd, sought to operate the venue continuously, offering bingo and slot machine gaming in a unit formerly occupied by Domino’s Pizza. The site lies within the Hanwell Clock Tower Conservation Area and is designated as a local heritage asset, although it is not statutorily listed.

The planning officer concluded that the proposal would harm the vitality and viability of Hanwell’s town centre. Replacing a food outlet with a gambling-led use was deemed detrimental to daytime footfall and inconsistent with policies promoting active frontages and diverse retail offerings. The officer cited conflicts with the London Plan, Ealing’s Development Plan Documents, and the emerging Local Plan, particularly policies aimed at supporting inclusive, culturally enriching uses in secondary shopping frontages.

Concerns were also raised about the impact on residential amenity and public safety. The proposed 24-hour operation was considered likely to generate noise, loitering, and anti-social behaviour, especially during late-night hours. The absence of a noise impact assessment and the proximity of residential flats further contributed to the refusal. The Metropolitan Police strongly objected to the application, citing existing issues with crime and disorder in the area and warning that the venue could exacerbate these problems.

The report highlighted the over-concentration of gambling establishments in Hanwell, noting that the addition of another venue would reduce retail diversity and increase exposure to gambling harms. The officer rejected the applicant’s claim that the venue would provide community benefit, stating that it failed to deliver any meaningful cultural or social value.

Public consultation revealed overwhelming opposition to the proposal. Of the 1,978 responses received, 1,971 were objections. Residents, councillors, and community groups expressed concerns about the misleading description of the venue, its proximity to schools and youth services, and its potential to undermine Hanwell’s character and regeneration goals. The Hanwell Conservation Panel also objected, arguing that the proposal was incompatible with the conservation area’s aims.

Although three local councillors requested that the application be referred to committee, the refusal was ultimately issued under delegated authority by on officer who concluded that the proposal failed to meet planning policy requirements on multiple grounds, including town centre vitality, amenity, safety, and cumulative harm.

Cllr Monica Hamidi posted on social media after the decision, “Hanwell, we’ve done it. This is what community power means.”