Table of Contents
- Residents' Frustration
- Meeting with Mayor
- Impact on Residents
- Community Concerns
- Developer's Response
Residents living just meters away from the towering “massive monster” 60ft high steel walls expressed their frustration regarding the gigantic “surreal” structures overshadowing their homes.
The enormous structures loom over nearby houses and are part of a proposed 350,000 sq ft industrial site that will feature four large warehouses.
Steve Retford, 69, in his garden overshadowed by the warehouse walls
Local residents hope today’s meeting with Andy Burnham will lead to actionCredit: SWNS
The project is estimated to be completed in spring next year, picture from before steel claddingCredit: SWNS
The residents are set to meet with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, following the release of new photos that showcase the scale of the massive warehouses and their closeness to the residents' homes.
The images illustrate how the imposing 60ft walls are only meters away from the back doors of the residents in Tyldesley, Wigan.
The locals stated that the meeting with the Mayor today, Thursday, October 30, is a “significant event” and an opportunity for them to advocate for action regarding the structures.
The plans submitted to Wigan Council indicate that two of the 140,000 sq ft units are permitted to reach heights of up to 60ft.
One of the four warehouses has been leased long-term by delivery giant Whistl.
Residents claim that the scale of the project, developed by PLP, was not fully disclosed in the initial designs.
John Peters, 71, who has lived in the estate since 1978, expressed his shock when the size of the “massive monster walls” became apparent.
“A few weeks ago, they were just steel structures, and you could see light coming through the frames. But now that the walls are up, there’s this strange effect, especially at night, where our house is silhouetted by an 18m-high black wall. It looks surreal,” he shared.
He added, “The enormity of the structure is striking. It shouldn’t be there.”
Peters mentioned that the structures had dampened his hopes for a peaceful retirement.
He is optimistic that the upcoming meeting with the Manchester Mayor will prompt action, but he worries that the focus will be on landscaping measures rather than addressing the actual appearance of the warehouses.
Mr. Peters noted that many of his neighbors felt blindsided by the massive project, with some residents whose homes back onto the site not receiving any notification.
He stated, “A letter was sent to 90 residents, but I don’t understand how they selected those residents, as some who live adjacent to the site were not informed at all.”
Paula Boardman, 47, lives with her husband and two kids in a house that backs onto the imposing warehouse, picture from before the steel walls were addedCredit: SWNS
Steve Retford, 69, in his garden with the 60ft steel wall overshadowing himCredit: SWNS
“It was just completely random,” he added.
Paula Boardman, 47, concurred, stating that while she was aware of the plan, “we thought it would be much smaller.”
“It feels like a cruise ship at the back of our garden. Even if we wanted to move, I believe the value of our home has decreased,” she remarked.
Steve Retford, 69, mentioned that since the construction began, he no longer enjoys sitting in his garden due to the looming structure that stands just 30m away.
The retired officer expressed, “It’s just dreadful. We feel a sense of injustice. I’m
