A proposed 24-hour arcade, described in the application as a bingo hall, has been refused planning permission by officers at the London Borough of Hillingdon.
The application sought to transform a former banking site on Ruislip High Street into a 24/7 venue operating day and night, in the very heart of our town centre.
Following a petition led by Ruislip councillors, around 1,200 local residents made their voices heard. That strength of feeling was clear. As a result, the application has been refused outright and will not be going before a planning committee.
Standing up for the High Street
Councillor Peter Smallwood formally wrote to the planning department setting out strong objections to the scheme. Concerns focused on:
- The disruption a 24-hour venue would cause to residents living above, beside and behind the site
- The impact on the surrounding conservation area
- The character and future direction of Ruislip High Street
After the decision, Cllr Smallwood said:
“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to stop this at the heart of the high street, thanks to the hard work of myself and my local Ruislip councillor colleagues.”
Councillors Philip Corthorne and John Riley also backed the campaign, supporting residents and encouraging people to sign the petition and make their views known.
A spokesperson for Hillingdon Council has confirmed that the application has now been formally refused by planning officers, and the status has been updated on the council’s planning portal.
Why this matters
This was not just about one application. It was about the future of our High Street.
When proposals come forward that could fundamentally change the character of an area, it takes visible, diligent and hardworking local councillors to scrutinise them properly, raise concerns early and mobilise residents.
Because your Ruislip councillors acted quickly:
- Residents were informed
- A petition was organised
- Formal objections were submitted
- The strength of local feeling was made impossible to ignore
That is how local representation should work.
Hardworking local councillors who know the area, care about it and are prepared to put the effort in can and do make a difference.
With local elections taking place on Thursday 7 May, this decision is a clear example of why strong local representation matters, so that Ruislip continues to have councillors who will stand up for the High Street and for residents.
Thank you again to everyone who signed the petition and stood up for Ruislip.
