The dispute, reported by The Guardian, Wigan Today and planning publication Planning Geek, centres on an 18-metre-high distribution warehouse operated by logistics company Whistl, with residents raising £78,000 to fund legal representation at a public inquiry scheduled for November 10 and 11. The controversy has intensified since Whistl began operating from the site in July 2026. Some sections of the development stand approximately 30 metres from nearby homes, leaving residents concerned about the scale of industrial activity taking place alongside their neighbourhood. The upcoming hearing will examine Whistl’s application to operate up to 60 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and 95 trailers from the site.
Residents of Astley, a village in Greater Manchester, are preparing to challenge the proposed expansion of heavy vehicle operations at warehouse complex that has transformed their once-quiet neighbourhood. Residents say the constant movement of heavy goods vehicles, loading activity and machinery has disrupted their sleep and made parts of their homes and gardens difficult to enjoy. The warehouse, located at Astley Business Park, is among four large industrial structures built close to residential properties.
The landowner, PLP, has disputed claims that the scale of the buildings changed from the plans submitted in 2023. In a statement published on November 9, Whistl said it had taken additional steps to address residents’ concerns and was continuing to work with Wigan Council and PLP. Because of the noise and the imposing structure outside their windows, some residents have reported that children are reluctant to use their bedrooms or gardens.
Residents have reported repeated vehicle movements, banging sounds and a persistent background hum, with some describing difficulties sleeping through the night. Its September update confirmed that officials had conducted site visits, investigated complaints and requested further information about measures such as acoustic fencing, landscaping and earth bunding. It also confirmed that mail and parcel processing would continue inside the warehouse during the overnight pause in yard activity.
The arrival of round-the-clock warehouse operations has become a major source of frustration for people living nearby. Former police detective Stephen Retford, who lives close to the warehouse, has documented overnight vehicle activity and commissioned an independent acoustic assessment to investigate the noise levels. Several households have also raised concerns about the impact on their mental well-being and their ability to enjoy their properties. The development has particularly affected families living close to the industrial complex. There are also growing concerns about property values. Residents fear that the proximity of the warehouse and the disruption associated with its operations could make their homes harder to sell. One household reportedly received a valuation significantly lower than its previous estimate, adding to concerns about the financial consequences of the development. The council commissioned an independent review of the planning process after residents raised concerns about how the project had been approved. Its findings concluded that the planning decision followed the relevant legal procedures, although the council acknowledged that there were lessons to be learned regarding transparency and community engagement. Wigan Council has also continued discussions with residents, the landowner and Whistl. The company maintains that it has operated within the conditions of its temporary operator’s licence since beginning transport operations in July.