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Astley Residents Raise £78,000 to Challenge Whistl’s 18‑metre Warehouse Operations
Residents of Astley, a village in Greater Manchester, have raised £78,000 to fund legal representation for a public inquiry on November 10 and 11. The inquiry will consider Whistl’s application to operate up to 60 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and 95 trailers from an 18‑metre‑high distribution warehouse at Astley Business Park. The warehouse, which began operations in July 2026, is one of four large industrial structures built close to residential properties, some only about 30 metres from homes. 131 residents representing 96 properties have lodged objections, which will be heard by the Traffic Commissioner for the North West of England.
Residents complain that 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. Former police detective Stephen Retford, who lives nearby, has documented overnight vehicle activity and commissioned an independent acoustic assessment. Some households have expressed concerns about the impact on mental well‑being and the enjoyment of their properties, with children reportedly reluctant to use bedrooms or gardens because of the noise and the imposing structure outside their windows. Property values are also a concern; one household received a valuation significantly lower than its previous estimate.
The development has been controversial since construction began. Wigan Council approved an outline planning application covering residential and commercial uses in 2017 and granted full planning permission for the warehouse in 2024. An independent review of the planning process found that the decision followed legal procedures, though the council acknowledged lessons about transparency and community engagement. The landowner, PLP, disputes claims that the scale of the buildings changed from the 2023 plans.
Whistl has acknowledged the impact of its initial operations, particularly nighttime noise. The company agreed to pause outdoor yard operations between midnight and 6 a.m. while it works on longer‑term noise‑reduction measures. It has introduced quieter electric vehicles, including an electric shunter for moving trailers, and installed noise‑monitoring equipment. Nighttime refuelling has been stopped and fuel tankers are no longer permitted to access the site overnight. In a statement on November 9, Whistl said it had taken additional steps to address residents’ concerns and was working with Wigan Council and PLP. The company maintains that it has operated within the conditions of its temporary operator’s licence since beginning transport operations in July.
The November inquiry will focus on the company’s vehicle operating arrangements and the suitability of the proposed operating centre. It is not a fresh planning appeal and will not determine whether the warehouse’s original planning permission was lawful. For residents, the proceedings offer an opportunity to have their objections formally considered and potentially secure restrictions on the scale and timing of vehicle movements.