A Grade II-listed coach house could be converted into a training centre following a refurb if plans are granted by the local authority.

Applicant Uniserve Holdings had its proposal, L0006.24, received on June 21 to change mixed-use Coach House in Upminster Court, Hall Lane into a training and education centre.

The plans, currently undecided, would include a refurb, inside alterations and side extensions. Overnight accommodation would be provided at the centre.

Havering Council validated the proposal on June 24 and a decision date has been set to August 19.

In a heritage statement, citing Upminster Court's list entry, the entire building was described as a substantial country house in the Wren revival style with red brick and bath stone.

Agent Stephen George & Partners (SGP) produced a design and access statement to argue for the planned changes within it.

SGP has proposed that Coach House at Upminster Court be used to support training from Uniserve Holdings, a logistics provider currently operating there.

"The [...] primary focus [of the site] is to develop executives and senior management through director programmes, master classes consultancy and leadership events with high quality overnight accommodation," the statement read.

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The site is currently used for different purposes, including as offices, residences and storage units.

It was argued by SGP that the existing stable block is in "poor condition", in need of repair and maintenance.

Following works, the developer would seek to hire 15 staff at the training and education centre.

If approved, works are expected to begin in March 2025 and end seven months later in October.

The proposal does not include the partial or total demolition of the listed building, the application form shows.

But the form shows the works include alterations to the listed building's interior and exterior, including changes to structures and objects fixed to the property.

If plans are granted, the developer would also be able to strip out any inside wall, ceiling or floor finishing.

Two residential units will be lost if the plans are green-lit by Havering Council. 

You can follow the progress of this application via the council's planning portal using code L0006.24.