The upcoming public inquiry on November 10 and 11 will assess Whistl’s application to run up to 60 heavy goods vehicles and 95 trailers from the Astley Business Park site. In total, 131 residents from 96 neighbouring properties lodged formal objections, citing sleep deprivation and mental health strains linked to relentless site noise. Whistl has introduced mitigation measures, such as deploying an electric shunter and halting outdoor yard activities between midnight and 6 a.m., while Wigan Council reviews acoustic fencing and earth bunding.
Key points
Local residents funded legal representation to formally contest industrial vehicle licens…: Local residents funded legal representation to formally contest industrial vehicle licensing located only 30 metres from their properties.
An independent review confirmed Wigan Council followed legal procedures for planning appr…: An independent review confirmed Wigan Council followed legal procedures for planning approval but determined the authority must enhance public transparency.
Warehouse operator Whistl and local officials are pursuing mitigation steps, including no…: Warehouse operator Whistl and local officials are pursuing mitigation steps, including noise monitoring, electric equipment, and potential acoustic fencing.
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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. 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. 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. 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.
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