Development at Astley Business Park
We are aware that the decision and subsequent construction of an industrial site at Astley Park Way has attracted significant interest and media coverage.
Below we have outlined key information regarding the site and the wider planning process here in Wigan Borough.
When were the plans first submitted and have they changed?
This land has been allocated as employment land since 2006, with warehousing always envisioned as an option for this site.
An outline planning application for this site, which did not set final size or layout of the buildings, was submitted by Peel (the then owner of the site) in 2015, for a mix of housing and commercial uses including warehousing. This was approved in 2017.
It is important to highlight that the plans did not change. The outline planning permission lapsed in relation to the employment part of the application, meaning it was timed out because construction had not started in the timeframe set out in the permission.
A reserved matters planning application in relation to the housing land was brought forward, approved and these homes have now been built and occupied.
What happened next?
A full planning application for the employment land went to committee in June 2024, brought forward by PLP, for warehousing as included in the original land allocation and outline planning permission.
This full application set out the size, footprint and height of the units and there has been no fundamental change to those since permission was granted.
View the application that bent before the Planning Committee on Tuesday, 11th June 2024 (external link).
How were people informed of the plans?
All planning applications are publicised through the same methods, in line with policy and national legislation, including site notices, a press notice and letters to neighbouring properties.
In relation to the PLP application, letters were sent to 99 neighbouring properties, site notices were displayed, and a press notice was published in the Leigh Journal.
I have seen that around 70 objections were referenced in the planning report, but there were more than 90 objections submitted. Why is this?
The council reports objections on a per-address basis, as per national planning guidance, meaning that if multiple people object from the same household, their objection is joined together.
All objections were considered and summarised in the report, with full representations considered in the assessment and recommendation.
What is the role of a planning committee?
A local authority planning committee plays a key role in the decision-making process for planning applications within a local area.
The committee reviews and decides on significant or controversial planning applications that cannot be determined by planning officers under delegated powers. It ensures that decisions reflect local policies and community interests, often involving elected councillors.
Members of the public, applicants, and objectors may be allowed to speak at meetings, providing transparency and accountability. The committee ensures that decisions align with national planning policy and the local development plan.
Planning committee reflects the political make-up of the local authority. Committee members can choose to vote against the planning officer recommendation for any development.
But they must have a material planning reason to do so. Impact on house prices is not considered to be a material planning consideration, as set out in national planning policy.
View the application that bent before the Planning Committee on Tuesday, 11th June 2024 (external link).
Do planning committee members receive training to prepare them for their role?
Yes. New members of the committee must undertake mandatory training before they can fulfil their role. Refresher training for current members is also provided.
What should I do if construction has damaged my property?
Any questions around damage caused by the building works should be reported to the developer and your insurance company.
If you need any support with this please contact us and we will raise on your behalf.
I am concerned about the health impact of the construction works
We are aware that residents have concerns about the impact of dust and noise on neighbouring properties and Garrett Hall Primary School.
Local authority officers have been on site and are in close communication with the developer and their construction partner to ensure all conditions of the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) are being followed and adhered to, and will continue to do so throughout the duration of the development.
If you would like to report a breach of planning control, please visit enforcement and breaches.
What landscaping measures are taking place at the site?
Earth bunds topped with trees will be constructed around the perimeter of the site adjacent to housing.
The landscaping to be planted includes trees of a mixture of sizes, including semi-mature specimens approximately 4.5 metres in height. This will provide some immediate softening of the development.
The trees are a mix of species including those native to Britain. Even when no foliage is present the trees will perform a function in breaking up the appearance of the buildings.
It is important to note that the site is still under construction and these works are not yet complete.
What happens if some of the trees fail or are felled?
The landscaping plan outlined as part of the planning permission requires like-for-like replacements for a period of 30 years.
Posted on Thursday 30th October 2025