Mayor calls for warehouse planning changes

The mayor of Greater Manchester has said planning rules should be reviewed after complaints about warehouses being built close to people's homes.

Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester's Hot Seat, Bev Craig said she agreed with concerns raised by campaigners from the Astley Warehouse Action Group and questioned why modern industrial developments were being allowed closer to residential properties than traditional industry.

The group was formed after the construction of large warehouses at Astley Business Park near Tyldesley.

Residents have complained about the scale of the development, its proximity to homes and concerns over noise from future operations.

During Thursday's programme, campaigner John asked whether residents could continue to rely on mayoral support as they were entering what he described as a new phase of the campaign, focused on the effect the warehouses would have once fully operational.

Craig said that lessons needed to be learned from the situation.

"I think we have to go and look at proper planning rules around this as well, because old industry wouldn't have got that close to your house," she said.

"So why is it that new industry can?"

The mayor said she wanted to explore whether planning rules should be changed, and offered to meet residents to discuss their concerns.

She added: "Other people can't be in the same situation in the future, and we need to look at what we can do to help you now."

Craig also said she had seen the warehouses herself and sympathised with people living nearby.

"I wouldn't want to live next door to them," she said.

During the interview, John said campaigners were regularly contacted by people in Trafford, Salford and Tameside seeking advice on warehouse proposals near residential areas.

The warehouses were approved by Wigan Council, and the authority has maintained that the development complies with planning policy.

Residents, however, have continued to campaign over the project's impact on neighbouring homes.

Craig did not outline specific planning changes, but she said she was keen to examine the issue and discuss what further support could be offered to residents.

The BBC has approached the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for comment.

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