Upminster Court plans for Uniserve academy extra accommodation

Changes have been proposed to Upminster Court, a Grade II listed country house and gardens in Hall Lane, to allow for further overnight accommodation for logistics training programmes.

The historic property currently serves as the head office of GB Europe Limited and its subsidiary Uniserve, reportedly the UK's largest logistics provider, which has run its Supply Chain Academy from since 2011.

While the academy already uses the main Upminster Court building as overnight accommodation for attendees of its programmes and events, it is hoping to expand into the Coach House, a Grade II listed stable block at the site.

The proposed change of use and extension of the block would allow for 15 ensuite bedrooms, two extra classrooms, a "large" central meeting and events space, and a small gym.

The aim is to expand Uniserve's education and apprenticeship offer to a "wider audience", with a "particular focus on younger people, recent school leavers and early career professionals in the supply chain sector".

A design and access statement for the proposal, drawn up by Stephen George + Partners, said: "The clients anticipate that the proposed conversion of the Coach House into additional accommodation and facilities for the Supply Chain Academy will substantially increase staff numbers, student numbers and revenue.

"This proposal seeks to secure the optimum viable use for the site, allowing its continued maintenance and conservation."

Upminster Court dates back to the start of the 20th century, and was designed by Charles Reilly for Samuel Williams, a shipping and coal merchant.

As well as its main building and stable block, the gardens are also Grade II listed and are on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England.

Havering Council is expected to make a decision on the plans by November 9.