A public inquiry will be held in November into HGV operations at Whistl's regional centre in Astley, after dozens of nearby residents raised objections.
The office of the Traffic Commissioner said on September 24 that the two-day inquiry will consider Whistl's application to house 60 HGVs and 95 trailers at its premises. The inquiry is scheduled for November 10 and 11.
The commissioner has determined that 131 individuals across 96 properties near the warehouse complex have valid objections. These individuals, termed 'representors', will be able to speak at the inquiry.
Background to the inquiry
Whistl began trading at unit 2 at the Astley Business Park on July 20 after being granted an interim licence by the traffic commissioner regarding heavy goods vehicle movements. The company previously agreed a 15-year lease for the unit, intending to move its local operation from the nearby Logistics North complex near Bolton.
The development has been dogged by controversy for more than a year since building work started. Many residents, some with gardens just 30 metres from the 350,000 sq ft logistics site, have criticised the scale and appearance of the 'towering warehouses'.
In late August, Whistl ended overnight transport operations at the site in Tyldesley after admitting noise 'has had an impact on nearby residents'. Since 24-hour operations, including numerous HGV movements, began, nearby households reported issues about noise, with some complaining of sleep disturbance, banging and background hum. The company agreed to cease transport operations between midnight and 6am and introduce more noise mitigation measures.
Next steps
Ahead of the inquiry, letters will be issued to all objectors giving them details and background into what the public inquiry will entail. It is understood that in early October the presiding traffic commissioner will visit the operating centre and surrounding area to observe the site.
The Astley Warehouse Action Group, which has been critical of the overall site and some of Whistl's operations, will be represented at the inquiry and is likely to speak on behalf of some of the objectors. A spokesperson for the group said it 'welcomed the opportunity to put forward our objections to the inquiry'.
The venue for the public inquiry is yet to be confirmed.
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."
