Ealing Council has successfully defended its decision to refuse plans for a 24-hour gambling venue in the heart of Hanwell, after an independent planning inspector dismissed the applicant’s appeal.

Pure Gaming Limited had sought permission to change a vacant ground-floor commercial unit at 153-155 Uxbridge Road into a 24-hour bingo hall. The venue would have included adult-only gaming machines and only allowed in customers aged 18 and over.

The council refused planning permission because of concerns about the impact on Hanwell town centre, nearby residents and the character of the surrounding area. The company appealed to the national Planning Inspectorate but on 28 July the inspectorate announced it had backed the council’s position and had dismissed the appeal.

Its inspector found there was not enough evidence to show the plan would have provided the type of business and inviting appearance expected in a prominent town centre location, which would be right next to Hanwell’s landmark clock tower.

In addition, the premises has homes above it, but the company had not submitted a report to show how residents would be protected from noise disturbance.

The inspector noted that a venue that was open around the clock could lead to customers arriving, leaving or gathering outside during the night and early morning, when background noise in Hanwell town centre would typically be lower. The inspector also referred to police concerns about existing crime and antisocial behaviour in the immediate area and how the 24-hour bingo hall might make it worse.

The inspector concluded that the potential harm to the town centre and to residents outweighed the fact the scheme could have brought an empty unit back into use and created 14 jobs.

Councillor Monica Hamidi, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for good growth, said: “This is an important decision for Hanwell and for residents who raised concerns about the impact of a 24-hour gambling venue in this location.

“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. The inspector’s decision supports the council’s view that this proposal did not meet that test.”