Development at Astley Business Park update

Development at Astley Business Park update

Since the Development at Astley Business Park article was first published, Wigan Council has continued to meet with local residents, PLP and Whistl to discuss concerns relating to the construction and operation of the Astley warehouse development.

We recognise the strength of feeling within the local community and remain committed to listening to residents, understanding their experiences and working constructively with all parties to address concerns wherever possible.

The following information reflects the ongoing engagement and the actions being taken by the council, PLP and Whistl.

What has Wigan Council done to listen to residents' concerns?

Wigan Council recognises the strength of feeling within the local community regarding the Astley warehouse development and its operation.

Senior council leaders, including the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council, have met directly with members of the Astley Warehouse Action Group on multiple occasions to hear their concerns and understand the impact the development is having on nearby residents.

Council representatives have also undertaken site visits, met with PLP and Whistl, and facilitated discussions between all parties to help identify practical solutions to the issues being raised.

Following these meetings, the council has:

• Continued to investigate concerns raised by residents
• Explained the statutory nuisance process and made noise monitoring available where appropriate
• Sought additional information from PLP regarding elements of the approved mitigation measures
• Undertaken and coordinated site inspections
• Worked with Whistl and PLP to review noise mitigation measures, including acoustic fencing
• Supported proposals for ongoing dialogue between residents, the council, PLP and Whistl

The council remains committed to constructive engagement and ensuring residents have opportunities to raise concerns and receive updates on the actions being taken.

What action has the council taken in response to noise concerns?

The council has met directly with affected residents to understand the nature of the noise issues being experienced and has explained the statutory nuisance process.

Where appropriate, council officers have undertaken property visits and offered noise monitoring to help gather evidence and understand the impact on residents.

The council continues to work with residents, PLP and Whistl to explore measures that may reduce noise and improve residents' quality of life.

What action is Whistl taking to reduce noise?

At a meeting with residents in August 2026, Whistl acknowledged that its first month of operations had affected nearby residents, particularly through nighttime noise, and confirmed that concerns were being taken seriously.

Whistl outlined a number of measures intended to reduce noise impacts, including:

• Pausing yard operations between midnight and 6am while longer-term solutions are developed
• Continuing mail and parcel processing inside the warehouse during those hours
• Using quieter on-site vehicles where possible
• Maintaining real-time noise monitoring
• Eliminating night-time refuelling
• Preventing fuel tankers from accessing the site overnight
• Reviewing operational practices to minimise noise wherever possible

Whistl has also proposed a joint noise reduction working group involving residents, their nominated acoustic engineer, Wigan Council, PLP and Whistl to review evidence, consider additional mitigation measures and monitor progress.

What is the council doing to ensure the development complies with the planning permission?

The council has planning enforcement responsibilities and is continuing to investigate concerns raised by residents regarding elements of the approved development and mitigation measures.

As part of this work, council officers have undertaken site inspections and requested further information from PLP regarding matters including the acoustic fencing installed on the site.

The council is also reviewing concerns raised in relation to the approved bunding and landscaping works and has requested access to the site to undertake further inspections and gather additional evidence where necessary.

This work is intended to establish a clear factual position regarding compliance with the approved planning permission, planning conditions and mitigation measures. Where concerns are identified, the council will consider the appropriate next steps in accordance with its statutory responsibilities.

Will the council continue to meet residents?

Yes.

The council remains committed to maintaining an open dialogue with residents and continuing to listen to the experiences of those living near the site.

Meetings with the Astley Warehouse Action Group have helped inform the council's ongoing work with PLP and Whistl, and we will continue to engage with residents as matters progress.

Our aim is to work constructively with all parties to identify practical solutions, address concerns where possible and ensure residents are kept informed about the actions being taken.

Background

What is Astley Business Park?

Astley Business Park is a major residential and employment development at Astley Park Way. Delivered by PLP, the development comprises warehouse and distribution units alongside new homes and associated infrastructure.

The site has been earmarked for employment uses since 2006 and was brought forward as part of a wider mixed-use scheme intended to deliver both new housing and employment opportunities in the borough.