Audit of controversial Astley Park finds planning decision sound
Wigan Council followed standard national procedure when evaluating and ultimately approving plans for PLP’s 350,000 sq ft warehousing complex, however the developer’s pre-application consultation was “wholly inadequate”, according to the report.
The local authority had commissioned the audit from Planning Officers Society Enterprises late last year after national headlines showcased frustration from local residents regarding the project. The residents described flooding as a result of the scheme, describing the 60-foot-tall sheds as “monstrous” and “soul-destroying” to the BBC.
Wigan Council’s planning committee had approved the Astley Park project in June 2024, noting that the 31-acre site had been designated for warehousing since 2006. At the time there were 96 letters of objection that councillors reviewed as part of the planning officer’s report. The scheme had been recommended for approval by the council’s planning officer team as well.
There was no legal challenge made after the decision to approve, with the council stating that it was only once construction started in spring 2025 that the complaints from residents started coming in.
POSE found that planning procedures were followed in line with legal requirement and national policy. However, it criticised PLP’s pre-application process and noted that Wigan Council could have encouraged a more robust consultation.
Pre-application consultation with community members if not a statutory requirement, although it is encouraged in national and local planning policy.
PLP had sent letters to 200 nearby residents on 22 September 2023 regarding the plans, with a deadline for responses by 9 October. The planning application, however, was submitted by agent WSP to the council seven days before PLP’s consultation deadline – having been received on 2 October.
The audit reads: “This indicates that there was no meaningful opportunity for the local community to have any engagement with the development prior to submission and any possibility of developing an understanding of the application and expressing views which could lead to change, as envisaged by the government and the council in their public documents, was completely unrealistic.”
Later, the audit stated that this was a key failing on PLP’s part and played a role in later frustration from residents.
“Later antagonism between local residents, the council and the developer could have been avoided or at least reduced,” it stated.
Regarding the audit, Wigan Council said: “The report provides a helpful overview of the council’s processes in handling planning applications, and identifies some areas to consider in order to maximise transparency. As a learning organisation we will reflect on these and make any necessary adjustments to our procedures going forward.”
The statement continued: “We fully acknowledge the strength of feeling among residents and have worked with them and the developer to resolve issues on site. We believe that it is critical that the planning system strikes the right balance between deep local engagement and the need for efficient decision making in a policy-led system, and we will be submitting a copy of this response to the government as part of that conversation.”
A spokesperson for PLP said that the developer “acknowledges the findings of the independent report”.
They continued: “As a responsible developer PLP contacted over 200 local residents about the plans as part of the planning process, and met with local councillors and other stakeholders to discuss the proposals. Furthermore, our approach to engagement with the local community was agreed in advance with Wigan Council.
“The scheme proposals evolved significantly and were improved as a result of this engagement. PLP will continue to work constructively with all stakeholders as the project moves forward, and we look forward to welcoming the first occupier to the scheme, bringing jobs and investment to the area.”
That first occupier is e-commerce firm Whistl, which signed at 15-year lease for 140,000 sq ft at Astley Park last July.
To review the approved plans for PLP’s warehouses, use reference A/23/96226/MAJOR.
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In other words, the consultation was a sham; mere window-dressing.
Had the residents and their elected representatives been on their toes they could have sought a JR during the relevant period and, as per the precedent of R (Halebank Parish Council) v Halton Borough Council, would likely have had the application rendered void or, at the very least, forced PLP back to the table.
A missed opportunity.
By More Anonymous than the others
I have been wondering when PNW would report on this absolutely disgusting development approved by Wigan Council that has had disastrous effects on local residents, infrastructure and wildlife. It’s very interesting that much of the mainstream media including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky, Daily Telegraph, to name but a few have all produced reports on this yet PNW the local property news for professionals in the area have not. Might be something to do with their partnership with Wigan Council.
By Savvy
Aren’t you commenting on a story about the development on PNW?
By Julia Hatmaker