Wigan Council Addresses Audit of Controversial Warehouse Project
Wigan Council has taken action following an independent audit that criticized the pre-application consultation for a proposed development of four large warehouses at Astley Business Park in Tyldesley. The audit labeled the consultation process as “wholly inadequate,” prompting the council to accept the report and outline steps for improvement. Residents living near the site have expressed concerns about the scale and impact of the project, which received planning approval in June 2024.
Community Concerns and Audit Findings
The independent audit, commissioned by Wigan Council and conducted by POS Enterprises, was initiated after numerous complaints from local residents regarding the construction of the warehouses. The audit confirmed that planning permission was granted in accordance with national and local regulations. However, it highlighted that the developer, PLP, failed to provide residents with “meaningful opportunities” to engage with the project before the planning application was submitted. This lack of engagement has raised significant concerns among residents, some of whom live just 90 feet from the proposed 350,000 square-foot logistics site.
In addition to the consultation issues, residents have reported incidents of flooding in nearby gardens and pathways, attributing the problem to runoff from the construction site. The audit acknowledged these complaints but maintained that the planning process adhered to legal requirements. Despite this, the council recognized the need for improvements in transparency and community engagement moving forward.
Councillor Paul Prescott, representing the council, stated that while the audit found compliance with statutory requirements, it also identified areas for learning. He emphasized that future projects would benefit from enhanced consultation practices, including site visits for major applications and clearer communication from developers regarding their engagement efforts with the local community.
Developer’s Response and Future Steps
In response to the audit findings, PLP defended its engagement strategy, asserting that they had contacted over 200 local residents and consulted with local councillors about the development plans. A spokesperson for PLP acknowledged the audit’s conclusions regarding compliance with planning legislation but reiterated their commitment to working collaboratively with the community as the project progresses. They highlighted that the project had evolved significantly due to community feedback.
The Astley Warehouses Action Group, which represents concerned residents, expressed disappointment with the consultation process. A spokesperson for the group stated that the audit’s findings confirmed their concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the planning process. They vowed to continue seeking answers regarding the development’s impact on the community.
As the project moves forward, PLP aims to foster constructive relationships with all stakeholders, emphasizing the potential for job creation and investment in the area. The council’s commitment to improving consultation practices reflects a growing recognition of the importance of community involvement in local development projects.
