Logistics UK gain planning permission to turn Tunbridge Wells base into flats
The home of Logistics UK is set to be demolished and turned into flats as the organisation seeks "more suitable" premises.
Hermes House in Tunbridge Wells has housed the offices of Logistics UK since the 1970s when it was known as the Freight Transport Association.
The company is one of the biggest trade associations in the UK, which includes more than half of the country’s goods vehicles fleet.
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Logistics UK bas successfully applied for demolition of the whole site, including the distinctive clock tower which was built in 1931, and have permission to turn it into a block of 43 flats.
Chief executive of Logistics UK, David Wells, told Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s planning committee: “Sadly our home at St John’s Road no longer provides the standard of accommodation we aspire to, nor does it suit modern working practices, and is too big for our current needs.”
“The building is difficult to heat in the winter, and difficult to keep cool in the summer.”
“There’s a constant challenge with water leaks from the flat roof of the round building.”
He argued that due to the increase in flexible or home-working since the pandemic “we’ve seen a steady stream of staff take London-based jobs for more money.”
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PICTURE CREDIT: The Voice of Hassocks, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
