Residents of Astley in Greater Manchester are set to testify before a public inquiry next week about the severe impact of continuous noise from a large industrial warehouse on their daily lives.
The warehouse, standing at 18 metres high, is operated by Whistl, a distribution firm part-owned by Peel Group. Residents describe it as a 'monster' structure that looms over homes, likening its presence to having a cruise ship in their back garden.
Noise and Mental Health Concerns
Stephen Retford, a former police detective who retired in 2006 after nearly three decades with the force, said he has been deeply affected by the disturbance: 'It’s the total injustice of it,' he stated, staring up at the warehouse. He reported being woken repeatedly at around 2am, unable to return to sleep — a situation he described as lasting well over a year.
A woman, a police officer not named in public records, shared that her autistic son refuses to play outside due to constant noise from conveyor belts. Her daughter now avoids playing in her bedroom and shuts blinds upon returning home from school out of fear of seeing the warehouse's CCTV cameras.
Community Backlash and Historical Context
The village was once a quiet mining community surrounded by farmland where livestock grazed. Residents say they were unaware of the scale or purpose shift when planning permissions changed between 2019 and 2024 — originally intended for employment use only, later revised to include an 18-metre-high warehouse without public consultation.
Helen Halbous, who moved to Astley seven years ago, said: 'It’s a feeling of being screwed over by Wigan council,' adding that people with influence in local decision-making either approved the project or ignored opposition. She noted her home has lost value; one neighbour reported a 30% drop in property valuation if sold.
Council Response and Industry Measures
Wigan Council acknowledged strong community sentiment and admitted 'lessons have been learned' regarding engagement and transparency. It stated its planning process was legally sound and followed national guidelines but confirmed improvements are underway for future consultations.
The council previously received objections from the local MP and dozens of residents, yet affirmed it acted properly during approval. However, Labour’s Nazia Rehman, leader of Wigan Council, said that moving forward, consultation with residents will be proactive rather than reactive.
In response to public concerns, Whistl has committed to using quieter vehicles and halting operations between midnight and 6am in an effort to reduce noise pollution. A spokesperson said these measures would remain in place while all parties work toward a sustainable long-term solution.
Broader National Trends
This case is part of wider national debate over large-scale industrial developments near residential areas. Plans for Britain's largest datacentre at the Drax power plant site in North Yorkshire were announced last week, followed by 315 proposed 'hyperscale' datacentres queued to connect with the National Grid — raising concerns about urban expansion and environmental impact across regions including Devon, Cardiff, and the Scottish Borders.
The warehouse has been named as one of the worst new buildings in the UK this year. PLP, the landowner, stated that building size and scale have not changed since its original planning application in 2023. Earlier plans from Peel Group in 2017 for smaller units are noted as having lapsed.
Retford began conducting overnight observations near his home to track vehicle movements, commissioning an independent acoustics expert to assess noise levels. The inquiry will allow residents to present detailed accounts of how daily life has deteriorated due to industrial operations at the site.