Families living next to four giant 'monster warehouses' in Tyldesley, Wigan, say their lives are being made hell by relentless noise and traffic. The 60ft units, which lie just metres from some gardens, have been completed, and one is now fully operational, causing constant HGV movements that shatter the peace.
Residents describe 'hell' of constant noise
John Peters, 71, a retired teacher who has lived on the estate since 1978, said: "The people who live bordering the warehouses are going through hell because of the noise. The extent of the warehouse operations have been a real shock to the system and that's on top of the visual problem."
New drone images show rows of lorries and trailers packed around the warehouse used by national delivery firm Whistl. Peters noted: "Whistl is a national logistics company using Astley as a base. You can't operate a national logistics company quietly. We see around four HGVs coming in every 10 minutes."
Overnight noise and community concerns
Residents claim the din is particularly unbearable overnight, with engines and vehicle movements echoing across homes bordering the site. The Astley Warehouse Action Group said residents could no longer open their bedroom windows due to the noise.
Peters added: "We are at the point where the consequences of all decisions that have been made are coming to fruition - and are being felt by the residents."
Warehouse details and operations
The four-unit scheme totals around 356,000 sq ft, with warehouses ranging from approximately 35,000 sq ft to 145,000 sq ft. Whistl occupies one of the largest units after signing a long-term lease on the approximately 140,000 sq ft building. The firm applied to base up to 60 goods vehicles and 95 trailers there, and campaigners say it has since been granted an interim licence.
Freight company Grace Overseas is preparing to take another unit but has not yet moved in, according to Peters. The remaining three warehouses have yet to begin operating fully, making the current ordeal especially alarming for residents.
Background of the dispute
The noise row is the latest chapter in a battle that began after Wigan Council approved the four warehouses in June 2024. Neighbours have compared the buildings to 'cruise liners' that block sunlight and dwarf nearby homes. They have also blamed the development for garden flooding and previously complained about a "dystopian" security system with warnings and blue lights.
A council-commissioned audit concluded that planning permission had been granted lawfully but found residents had "no meaningful opportunity" to engage before the application was submitted. Campaigners are now hoping Andy Burnham, who became Prime Minister on July 20, will support their campaign from Downing Street.
Responses from companies and council
A Whistl spokesperson said the firm has been in "active dialogue" with residents, taking measures "to mitigate the impact of our operations" where possible. They added: "We are also monitoring and managing the noise levels through equipment we have installed on the acoustic fencing at a point closest to the houses."
A Grace Overseas spokesperson confirmed it will operate at the unit from 8am to 5pm with "occasional weekend working" during peak periods, with no overnight loading or HGV movements. They said: "We are committed to operating responsibly and being a good neighbour as we begin operations at the site."
A Wigan Council spokesperson said: "We have received several noise complaints and have asked residents to keep a record and share information with us so that we can investigate."
Developer PLP has been approached for comment.
