Residents living close to Whistl's logistics centre at the Astley Business Park in Tyldesley face noise levels 'harmful to health', a public inquiry has heard. The company has applied to the traffic commissioner to house 60 HGVs and 95 trailers at the site, but many villagers are attempting to block the plans and are urging refusal.
A two-day inquiry, chaired by deputy traffic commissioner John Baker, began at the Brick Community Stadium in Wigan. Whistl began 24-hour operations at unit 2 in July under an interim licence, and shortly after, neighbours complained of 'cacophonous' noise, vibration, fumes, visual intrusion and road safety impacts from the round-the-clock operation.
Whistl's voluntary restrictions
After engaging with residents and introducing noise mitigation, Whistl voluntarily stopped vehicle movements at the site between midnight and 6am as a result of the complaints. The inquiry has recognised 143 valid objections, many of whom will be represented by the Astley Warehouse Action Group.
The giant warehouses have been in the headlines since construction began around 18 months ago. Images of the huge sheds and their proximity to neighbouring homes and a primary school in Tyldesley have been seen across the country. Residents say their previously quiet estate has been blighted by noise, pollution and the 'overbearing presence' of the 60 ft tall structures, some just 30 metres from homes.
Legal arguments and proposed reductions
The traffic commissioner's office has no powers over planning permission for the site, which was granted by Wigan council in 2024. It called a public inquiry after concerns were raised regarding the location of the operating centre and the impact of vehicle operations. It can approve or refuse an application or impose conditions or restrictions on vehicles and associated equipment housed at the site.
Lawyer Patrick Sadd, representing Whistl, argued that round-the-clock operations at the site were 'not a matter of convenience, but one of necessity'. He added: "It is essential to a parcel service where people expect next day delivery." Mr Sadd said Whistl now proposed a reduction in the number of trucks and trailers, wishing to have 50 HGVs and 70 trailers housed at the site. Whistl said it would also agree to a maximum of 54 vehicle movements between 10pm and 5am on weekdays and much reduced movements overnight on Saturday to Sunday.
Acoustic evidence and resident objections
Mr Sadd added: "From the outset the operator acknowledges the concerns of objectors and does not call into question their sincerity." He said the homes most impacted by night time operations were on Withington Drive and Tanhouse Avenue.
John Backhouse, representing the action group, said that later in the hearing he would be presenting acoustic evidence detailing unacceptable noise levels. He said that independently gathered evidence concluded 'anybody whose garden borders the site would suffer severe adverse impact from the noise'. He added that his assumption from the noise data was that levels would be 'harmful to health' for some residents close to the unit.
Day one of the hearing was held in the Marquee Suite at the stadium and was attended by around 130 people. The hearing heard from David Twiddle, group operations director for Whistl, who told the inquiry that until July 2026, Whistl's north west operations were based at the nearby Logistics North employment park in Bolton. He said the company wanted to relocate but keep its 'loyal and highly skilled' team, so looked for a nearby site.
A potential location in Horwich was rejected, leaving Astley Business Park as its choice, in large part because it had 24/7 planning permission for logistics use. He added: "We have a long-term, 15-year lease at Unit 2 which we are unable to break." He said Whistl 'need to operate from the site, with or without a licence' and that if the operating licence was denied, the company would be forced to use sub-contracted hauliers at the unit instead of its own fleet.
Mr Twiddle said: "In using sub contracted haulage there, we would have little or no control over them and how they operate. They would not be bound by our conditions and it would have a negative impact on our workforce." He said the company would still use the site for HGV movements but would not park them or its trailers there. Asked if the company would have made the decision to move to Astley Business Park if it had known the noise impact on neighbours, he said: "Had we been in a position we may have made a different decision but we cannot go back now."
The second and concluding day of the inquiry will focus on the objections from residents. Following the conclusion of the hearing, the deputy traffic commissioner said he would attempt to deliver a decision within 28 days.
