Public inquiry to examine warehouse lorry fleet bid

A public inquiry is to examine a logistics firm's bid to operate a large fleet of lorries and trailers at its giant warehouse base.

Whistl has applied to use 60 HGVs and 95 trailers at Astley Business Park in Tyldesley, Wigan, which has been dogged by noise complaints from local residents.

The office of the Traffic Commissioner said 131 individuals from 96 homes near to the giant warehouse complex had valid objections.

Whistl said it would take part in the inquiry and has been "working with local residents", who will also be able to speak at the hearing.

The two-day inquiry will consider the Whistl application on 10 and 11 November.

Whistl began trading at the warehouse site on 20 July after it agreed a 15-year lease.

Many residents have gardens close to the 350,000 sq ft (33,000 sq m) logistics site and have criticised the huge scale and appearance of the "towering warehouses" and reported a "dreadful racket".

In late August, Whistl ended overnight transport operations at the site after it admitted the noise had "had an impact on nearby residents".

The company agreed to cease transport operations between midnight and 06:00 and introduce more noise mitigation measures.

A spokesperson for Astley Warehouse Action Group said it "welcomed the opportunity to put forward our objections to the inquiry".

A spokesperson for Whistl said: "Whistl will be taking a full part in the hearing and has been in frequent contact with the Traffic Commissioner's office."

They added that "we have also been closely working with local residents" since moving to the site.

The venue for the public inquiry is yet to be confirmed.

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