The inquiry, scheduled for 10 and 11 November, will consider Whistl UK Limited’s application to use Unit 2 at Astley Business Park in Tyldesley, Wigan, as an operating centre. According to reports citing the Office of the Traffic Commissioner, 131 people from 96 properties have been accepted as representors and will be able to put their concerns before the inquiry.
The application itself was formally published by the Traffic Commissioner in February. Whistl, operating under licence OC1103613, sought authorisation for 60 vehicles and 95 trailers at the Astley site. Whistl began operating from the new hub in July after receiving interim authorisation while its full operating-centre application remained under consideration.
Overnight transport stopped following noise complaints
The public inquiry comes against the backdrop of a wider dispute over the impact of the warehouse on nearby homes. Whistl acknowledged following a meeting with residents and Wigan Council in August that its first month of operation had affected nearby residents, particularly because of night-time noise.
The company subsequently agreed to suspend transport activity in the depot yard between midnight and 6am, seven days a week. The restriction came into effect on 7 September and is intended to remain in place while Whistl, residents, Wigan Council and the site owner work on longer-term noise mitigation measures.
Mail and parcel processing continues inside the warehouse during those hours. Whistl has also introduced or proposed measures including quieter shunting vehicles, real-time noise monitoring and changes to yard operations. It says night-time refuelling has been stopped and fuel tankers are prevented from accessing the site overnight.
The company moved its North West operation to Astley from its previous site in Bolton in July and has taken the warehouse on a 15-year lease. According to Whistl, around 17 million mail and parcel items pass through the hub each week, while the company employs approximately 300 people across its North West operation.
Council also investigating planning compliance
Separately from the operator-licensing proceedings, Wigan Council is investigating concerns about whether parts of the development and its mitigation measures comply with the approved planning permission. The council said officers had carried out site inspections and requested further information from developer PLP concerning issues including the acoustic fencing installed at the warehouse. Concerns relating to approved bunding and landscaping are also being examined.
The authority stressed that this work is intended to establish the factual position before deciding whether any further action is required. Wigan Council is also working with Whistl, PLP and residents on additional noise-reduction measures, while monitoring has been offered to affected households.
Whistl said it remained committed to working with local residents and the council to find a longer-term solution to night-time noise. The November public inquiry will now determine the future of the company’s application to make Astley Business Park a permanent operating centre for its proposed fleet of up to 60 HGVs and 95 trailers.
