Greater Manchester mayor Bev Craig has said the controversial giant warehouse development in Tyldesley 'doesn't sit right' with her after visiting the site and meeting residents.
The mayor met representatives of the Astley Warehouses Action group during a walk around the area. Earlier this summer, logistics firm Whistl started around the clock operations at the 'cruise ship' warehouse complex in Tyldesley.
Residents' concerns over scale and flooding
The development, commissioned by PLP, has been dogged by controversy for more than a year since building work started. Many residents, some of whom have gardens just 30 metres from the 350,000 sq ft logistics site, have criticised the huge scale and appearance of the 'towering warehouses'.
Incidents of flooding on nearby paths and gardens have also occurred last winter, with complaints that run off from the construction site was causing the issues.
Mayor pledges to write to Peel
On a visit to the area, Bev Craig said: "I was really keen to talk to residents, like everyone else I've seen the pictures online and it didn't sit right with me to build something so big so close to residential properties.
"I heard from residents about the noise and other problems they've been experiencing, the flooding and even hearing about the basics such as the quality of the landscaping.
"It's good to see it first hand and makes it clear. I don't have planning powers but I want to use the role that I've got to make residents feel that they are heard. I will be writing to Peel to make sure they are taking some ownership and will be in touch with the action group going forward."
Action group welcomes meeting
Steve Retford from the action group said: "This meeting was extremely positive. This development has affected all our lives in a profound way.
"The mayor was very understanding to our situation and had clearly done some research so she had a good idea of the burning issues we've got. She was extremely supportive to our concerns. We realise she's no planning powers but we're hoping there maybe some sympathetic ears to the Greater Manchester mayor in Westminster.
"Something clearly needs to change if the Mayor can't challenge a planning permission which is clearly wrong. The answer may lay at Westminster."
Whistl seeks noise reports from residents
Whistl said they 'appreciate the strength of feeling amongst the community over the new business park' and have had 'active dialogue' with the action group representing residents before taking measures to mitigate the impact of operations.
During Ms Craig's visit, a representative from Whistl was delivering a letter to households titled 'Help Us Understand and Investigate Noise Concerns'.
The letter said: "Have you heard a noise that you believe may be coming from the warehouse? Whistl want to hear from you.
"We understand that residents have experienced noise disruption, particularly overnight. To help us investigate concerns properly, we have created a simple online form where residents can report noise incidents seven days a week, as they happen.
"The information you provide will help us understand when noise is occurring, how often it is happening and whether there are any patterns that need further investigation to remedy the cause."
