Families living next to a vast new business park in Greater Manchester say their lives are being made a misery by a "dystopian" security system that floods their homes with flashing blue lights throughout the night.
A 'monster' development looms over a community
The source of the distress is the Astley Business Park in Tyldesley, Wigan, where four giant grey warehouses, each standing up to 60ft tall, now dominate the skyline. Wigan Council approved the plans in June 2024, and the 350,000 sq ft development has since dwarfed hundreds of surrounding homes in the market town.
Residents describe the structures as "monstrous" and inappropriate for the area, with one local, Dawn Hornby, comparing the view from her window to having "a football stadium in your back garden." She claims she was misled during construction, told the buildings would be "low lying" and not visible.
'You are being monitored': The automated security flashpoint
The latest and most intrusive issue, according to the community, is the site's automated security. Motion sensors trigger a loud warning message—"This is a security alert. You are being monitored. A security guard has been informed"—accompanied by intense flashing blue lights. Craig Davies, 39, of the Astley Warehouses Action group, says the system activates even when people walk their dogs on adjacent public footpaths.
"It shouts at us every time we walk past," Davies stated. "The lights flash through people's blinds into their bedrooms. It's pretty shocking." Footage from residents shows bedroom interiors illuminated by the pulsating blue glow, leading to widespread complaints of sleepless nights, particularly over the Christmas period.
A history of problems and a feeling of retaliation
The security alert is just the latest grievance in a long-running planning dispute. Residents have previously reported major flooding issues in gardens and on school routes, which they link directly to the development. Wigan Council agreed to dig drainage channels in response. Teachers at a nearby school have also complained that construction noise drowns out lessons.
Many feel trapped, unable to sell their homes or facing significant devaluations. The community suspects the aggressive security measures may be "in retaliation for the amount of publicity" they have generated. An independent audit recently concluded that while correct planning processes were followed, consultation by developer PLP was "wholly inadequate" and residents had "no meaningful opportunity" to engage early on.
Delivery giant Whistl has leased one of the 140,000 sq ft units. Wigan Council, developer PLP, and construction firm TanRo were approached for comment. Meanwhile, a residents' steering group, backed by over 200 locals at a recent meeting, continues to fight for relief from what they describe as an unbearable living situation.
