Wigan Council Responds to Audit on Astley Business Park Development
Wigan Council has taken action following an independent audit that criticized the pre-application consultation process for the proposed development of four large warehouses at Astley Business Park in Tyldesley. The audit labeled the consultation as “wholly inadequate,” prompting the council’s cabinet to accept the findings and recommendations outlined in the report. This development, which has been in the planning stages since 2006, received planning permission in June 2024 and is not located on green belt land.
The audit was commissioned by Wigan Council and conducted by POS Enterprises after numerous complaints from local residents during the construction phase. Many residents, some living as close as 90 feet from the site, expressed concerns about the scale and appearance of the proposed 350,000-square-foot logistics warehouses. Additionally, there have been reports of flooding in nearby gardens and pathways, attributed to runoff from the construction site.
While the audit concluded that the planning permission was granted in accordance with national and local legislation, it highlighted that the developer, PLP, failed to provide residents with a “meaningful opportunity” to engage with the proposals prior to the submission of the planning application. PLP has stated that their engagement strategy was pre-approved by Wigan Council and involved outreach to over 200 local residents.
Council and Developer Address Community Concerns
In light of the audit’s findings, Wigan Council acknowledged the need for improvements in the planning process to enhance transparency. The council plans to implement measures such as requiring developers to inform local planning authorities about their consultation efforts and conducting site visits for major applications. Coun Paul Prescott, representing the council, emphasized that the audit confirmed the legality of the planning process while also recognizing areas for growth in community engagement.
The Astley Warehouses Action Group, a local campaign organization, expressed satisfaction with the audit’s recognition of consultation failures. A spokesperson for the group stated that the report validated their concerns regarding transparency and accountability in the planning process. They vowed to continue seeking answers about the development’s management and its ongoing impact on residents.
In response to the audit, a spokesperson for PLP acknowledged the findings and reiterated their commitment to community engagement. They emphasized that their approach was agreed upon with Wigan Council and that the development plans evolved significantly due to feedback from local stakeholders. PLP remains optimistic about the project’s potential to bring jobs and investment to the area, stating they will continue to work collaboratively with all involved parties as the project progresses.
As the situation develops, both the council and PLP are expected to take steps to address the concerns raised by residents and improve the planning process for future developments.
