Stephen Retford, a retired police officer who has lived on the Henfold Estate in Tyldesley, Greater Manchester, for four decades, has seen his long-standing views of open fields replaced by the imposing presence of four large warehouses. The new structures, part of the Astley Business Park, stand up to 60 feet tall and were completed in January 2026 on land adjacent to his home.

Retford and other local residents have expressed deep frustration over the impact of the warehouses on their community. The construction, which began last year, not only obstructed the once expansive scenic views but residents say it has also caused damage to their properties. Since Whistl, a distribution company, began operations last month in one of the warehouses, the level of disturbance has escalated, with complaints centering on continuous noise and nighttime activity.

Retford described the noise from Whistl’s business as “constant throughout the night,” emphasizing that the heavy goods vehicles operating near his home have made restful sleep nearly impossible. He likened the experience to “sleeping on a motorway service station” when windows are opened during warm weather. The warehouse’s proximity—directly opposite his property’s service yard—has amplified the disruption.

Adding to resident concerns is Wigan Council’s decision to grant Whistl a license permitting 24/7 operations at the site. Retford criticized the council for both approving the warehouse development so close to residential homes and allowing overnight work, calling the situation “an insult to injury.” He warned that combining the construction of such facilities with round-the-clock operation licenses effectively “crushes” the local community.

Retford is a member of Astley Warehouse Action, a community group formed to oppose the development and advocate for residents’ rights. The group includes homeowners from several estates surrounding the business park and has formally demanded an immediate halt to overnight operations, citing the ongoing disturbance and impact on quality of life.

Local authorities and Whistl have not yet released comments addressing the residents’ complaints. Meanwhile, the dispute underscores growing tensions as industrial expansion intersects with established residential areas in Greater Manchester.