‘Cruise ship’ warehouse consultation with residents branded ‘wholly inadequate’
Residents claim lack of meaningful input and raise ongoing issues near Tyldesley
An independent audit has criticised consultation with residents over the approval of four towering warehouse developments at Astley Business Park in Tyldesley, Wigan.
Commissioned by Wigan Council, the audit—carried out by POS Enterprises—found that locals were given "no meaningful opportunity" to engage with the proposals before the planning application was submitted.
The logistics warehouses, which rise 60ft above nearby homes, have sparked significant backlash during construction, with concerns ranging from flooding and noise to the sheer scale of the buildings.
Consultation concerns raised
Criticisms of the planning process focus largely on pre-application engagement by developer PLP, described in the audit report as "wholly inadequate."
Residents say they were not sufficiently consulted, with campaign group Astley Warehouses Action Group (AWAG) stating that the findings echo their concerns. AWAG representative said:
"Despite those limits, the audit still identifies serious failings in consultation and transparency. We will continue to seek accountability and clear answers on how this development was handled and on the issues residents are still living with as a result."
A Wigan Council spokesperson defended the process, highlighting that statutory consultations were held and that 96 objections were submitted and made available to planning committee members before 2024 approval.
No legal challenges were initiated during the statutory six-week post-approval period. Concerns were only raised in spring 2025, once site construction began.
Flooding issues linked to construction
Campaigners have blamed construction-related activities for flooding near Garrett Hall Primary School and gardens neighbouring the site. Residents filmed paths inundated with water, forcing parents to wade through standing water to reach the school.
Water reportedly entered the back gardens of homes on Tanhouse Avenue.
The developer, logistics specialist PLP, and the construction company, TanRo, have been called upon to address ongoing concerns, but PLP has not responded to requests for comment.
Audit scope questioned
While the audit confirmed that planning approval met legal and procedural standards, its limited scope—excluding reconsideration of the planning decision—has drawn criticism from campaigners.
AWAG expressed disappointment that a broader review was not included, questioning whether the audit represented a good use of public funds.
The report did suggest that a wider consultation should have included additional properties in view of the development.
Council response
Wigan Council stated that the land has been earmarked for warehouses since 2006. They are working with residents and the developer to address concerns raised since construction began.
The council spokesperson said: "Following approval, there was a six-week window in which anyone objecting could seek a legal challenge of the decision. No challenge was made during this period. To provide further reassurance and transparency, we commissioned an independent audit."
The first business to lease space at the site is postal firm Whistl, while construction continues.