Residents in Greater Manchester are living in the shadow of two gigantic warehouses being built next to their properties
The towering steel structure imposes itself over the semi-detached homes in Wigan
Families living in the shadow of two gigantic warehouses have likened the experience to having a “cruise ship” land in their back gardens. The enormous steel structures, part of a 350,000 sq ft industrial site, tower over fences and hedges, completely overshadowing homes just metres away from the development.
Residents of Tyldesley, Wigan, have expressed alarm at the sheer scale of the buildings, with some saying they are considering moving. Plans from developer PLP show the massive site will be eventually be home to four vast warehouses, with the council agreeing to a maximum height of 18.3m (60ft) for two of those buildings.
Delivery giant Whistl has already secured one of the vast sheds, signing a 15-year contract on a 140,000 sq ft unit. A council chief maintained that landscaping would help mitigate the visual impact, adding that the project followed the proper planning process.
However, residents argue that the final approved plans were significantly larger than the original designs.
They worried about the effect on property values, arguing there was limited consultation before building started.
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John Peters, 71, a retired teacher, has lived on the estate since 1978. He said: “It’s a total shock when you walk out of the door.
“The enormity of the thing just strikes you. It shouldn’t be there.”
John Peters, 71, a retired teacher, has lived on the estate since 1978
He said his dreams of a peaceful retirement were “shattered” by the arrival of the structure so close to his home.
A campaign group has been set up to rally neighbours and fight the development, with more than 200 people in attendance at a recent meeting.
Mr Peters claimed the way residents were informed about the project left many feeling blindsided.
The towering steel structure imposes itself over the semi-detached homes in Wigan
He said: “A letter was sent out to 90 residents, but I don’t know how they selected those residents because some of the people who back onto the site didn’t get anything.
“It was just completely random.”
‘I’m worried it’s going to take all our sunlight’
Paula Boardman, 47, lives with her husband and two kids in a house that backs onto the imposing warehouse.
She said: “It’s quite upsetting, because we used to have such a lovely view. We knew this was going to be built, but we thought it was going to be a lot smaller.
Paula Boardman, 47, lives with her husband and two kids in a house that backs onto the imposing warehouse
“As soon as the framework went up, everyone realised the height of it – it’s humungous. I’m worried it’s going to take all our sunlight.
“It’s like a cruise ship at the back of our garden. Even if we wanted to move, I think the value of the house has gone down.”
She raised concerns about damage in her home that she fears could be related to the warehouse’s size and proximity of construction work.
She said: “I noticed a dip in the flooring back in February and a big crack in the wall.”
‘Every time I think about it, I feel sick’
Carol and Steve Retford, pictured in the rear of their garden, say the development has been “life-changing
Steve Retford, 69, said he no longer sits in the garden because of the structure that stands just 30m away – describing the impact as “profound”.
The retired police officer said: “It’s just dreadful. We feel this sense of injustice.
“I don’t profess to be a planning expert, but when you look at the sheer enormity of this, it’s not right.
“It must have taken tens of thousands of pounds off the value of our houses. Every time I think about it, I feel sick.”
Steve Retford lives in the shadow of a huge steel frame being built behind his home
Care worker Danielle Edwards, 38, fears the warehouse could make it difficult to sell her home in the future.
She said: “It’s awful. We bought this house because we’re a young family wanting to stay in the area.
“It would be very difficult to move. I can see it from my back garden. We thought they were going to be low-rise industrial units, but they’re not.”
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Retired project manager Eric Earnshaw, 79, has lived in the Tyldesley area all his life but is now preparing to leave for the Lake District.
The keen dog walker said it’s because he’s had enough of constant building work.
Retired project manager Eric Earnshaw, 79, has lived in the Tyldesley area all his life but is now preparing to leave for the Lake District
He added: “There are walks that take me along fields in the area where there are plans for thousands of homes.
“All the green space around here is disappearing.”
Aidan Thatcher, director for place at Wigan Council, said: “This planning application went through our planning consultation and committee process.
Aerial images which show the massive home to four industrial units, with the council agreeing to a maximum height of 18.3m for two of those buildings
“The final plans include landscaping which will help to screen and soften the appearance, and mitigate the impact on nearby properties.
“We will continue to monitor the site throughout construction, ensuring this development bringing new jobs and investment to the area is delivered properly.”
A spokesperson for PLP said they would not comment.