A public inquiry will examine logistics firm Whistl's application to operate up to 60 HGVs and 95 trailers at Astley Business Park, following residents' noise complaints.
The two-day hearing, led by the traffic commissioner for the North West, will hear representations from 131 individuals across 96 properties near to the warehouse complex who have been told they have valid objections.
When and where will the inquiry be held?
The traffic commissioner's office said that following local opposition to the application from neighbouring residents, it decided to consider the application at a public inquiry.
It has announced the two day hearing into Whistl's application will be held on November 10 and 11. It will take place at the Brick Community stadium, home to Wigan Warriors and Wigan Athletic.
The traffic commissioner has determined that there are 131 individuals across 96 properties that have objections ruled as valid. This means that these individuals will be able to speak at the public inquiry.
What are traffic commissioners and what are their powers?
Traffic commissioners are responsible for the licensing and regulation of those who operate heavy goods vehicles, buses and coaches, and the registration of local bus services.
They are assisted in this work by deputy traffic commissioners, who preside over a number of public inquiries. The independent regulators hold judicial powers to license and regulate commercial vehicle operators.
In the Astley Business Park case they will evaluate the environmental suitability of the location at the business park designated as a parking location for HGVs and trailers. Its powers include the ability to grant, refuse, vary, renew, suspend, curtail, or revoke operator's licences for heavy goods vehicles.
What has happened since Whistl started operations at Astley?
After noise complaints started after round the clock operation began in July Whistl acknowledged 'that our operations at PLP Astley have had an impact on nearby residents, particularly in relation to night-time noise'.
In late August it said that 'we take those concerns very seriously'.
A Whistl spokesperson said: "Following a meeting between the Astley Warehouse Action Group, Wigan Council, and Whistl, the residents have agreed to our proposal to cease night-time transport operations in and from the yard from September 7 while we work on measures to reduce noise from our operations below the appropriate threshold.
"The processing of mail and parcels will continue within the depot and we will adjust our transport operations to ensure that we meet our commitments to Whistl customers."
Whistl said it would continue to meet the action group 'to review progress on these actions, working in collaboration to determine whether they are having the desired effect of reducing the night-time noise and the disruption Astley residents have experienced'.
Other measures being put in place by Whistl to mitigate noise include the use of quieter on-site vehicles such as shunt units to move trailers around, preventing fuel tankers from accessing the site at night and attempting to ensure any activity takes place as far from residents as possible.
The Whistl spokesperson added: "We remain committed to being a responsible neighbour and supporting the local Astley residents who need and deserve to have their concerns addressed.
"We are confident that the measures agreed will go a long way towards reducing night-time noise, while we continue to work to find a longer-term solution between Whistl, Astley residents, Wigan Council and the site owner, PLP."
At that time a spokesperson for the Astley Warehouse Action Group said: "This is a big change. Six hours of guaranteed respite will make some difference.
"Whistl's statement now publicly acknowledges that their operations are impacting residents, particularly through night-time noise."
What does the Astley Warehouse Action Group say?
The Astley Warehouse Action Group have been a voice for those affected by the PLP operated development since construction work began.
The group is currently interviewing for legal representation for either a barrister or transport specialist to represent residents at the inquiry.
John Peters from the group said that since operations started 'every day is a battle' for residents. He added: "For 18 months we've been warning what would happen when these warehouses became operational.
"Now it's happened and the evidence backs us up.
"We're working hard to collate all the objections and to put our best case forward at the inquiry.
"Objectors have the option to tick the box saying that the action group will represent them and I expect the majority have done that.
"Obviously not having 24-hour operations at the Whistl would be our first objective.
"The reduction since late August with respite from midnight until 6am has had a big impact on residents.
"The recognised UK night-time period is 11pm-7am so we will be pushing towards that goal or even 10pm-8pm.
"In our first meeting with Whistl they told us that if the application is turned down entirely it probably wouldn't mean the end of the operations.
"They said the application is for Whistl operated vehicles on the site so if that happened our understanding is they could just sub-contract out the HGV movements and not directly do it themselves."
What do Whistl say?
A spokesperson for Whistl said: "A public inquiry has been listed for November 10 and 11 by the Traffic Commissioner for Whistl's operation at PLP Astley, Wigan.
"Whistl will be taking a full part in the hearing and has been in frequent contact with the traffic commissioner's office.
"We have also been closely working with local residents since moving our north west depot to PLP Astley, Wigan."
