Homeowner's Property Value Plummets by £170,000 Amidst Mega-Warehouse Construction
A Wigan resident's dream home has seen a drastic reduction in value following the construction of four large industrial warehouses nearby, sparking concerns about property rights and community impact.
David Gerrard, a 47-year-old builder, is reportedly in disbelief after his five-bedroom home in Wigan, Lancashire, experienced a significant drop in value, estimated at £170,000. The decline is attributed to the recent construction of four 60ft-high mega-warehouses at the Astley Business Park, located adjacent to his property.
Before the warehouses were built, Gerrard's detached home was valued at approximately £500,000. However, recent assessments suggest its current worth has fallen to around £380,000, with one estate agent indicating it might be difficult to sell due to the proximity of the new industrial units. Gerrard had purchased the property in 2019 for £360,000.
The development, spanning 350,000 square feet, features industrial units reaching up to 18.3 meters in height. Residents have described the structures as resembling large cruise liners. Gerrard and his wife Joanne had invested significant time and money into their home, viewing it as a crucial part of their retirement plans.
Neighbors have also reported substantial decreases in their property values, with some seeing reductions of £60,000 to £80,000. Some homes on the estate that have been put up for sale have reportedly been taken off the market due to a lack of buyer interest, a stark contrast to the area's previous rapid sales, partly attributed to its proximity to a sought-after school.
The construction has led to a series of complaints from residents, including noise disturbances from HGVs operating throughout the day and night, which have reportedly disrupted sleep. Logistics firm Whistl, which operates from one of the units, has acknowledged the noise impact and has agreed to halt transport movements between midnight and 6 a.m. while exploring noise-reduction measures.
Residents have also raised concerns about flooding, bright security lights illuminating bedrooms, and automated warning sounds emanating from the site. An independent audit commissioned by Wigan Council found that while planning permission was granted in accordance with legislation, residents were not given a meaningful opportunity to engage with the application process prior to its submission.
Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig visited the site on August 28 and met with residents. She expressed that the scale of the development so close to homes