Historic pub could soon become 10-bedroom HMO after cannabis farm found inside

A historic town centre pub could soon be transformed into a 10-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO).

The Bulls Head in Stalybridge closed its doors for the last time in June 2022. It had been left vacant but has since become a target by antisocial behaviour and criminal activity, with a cannabis farm built inside.

The police swooped in on the Knowl Street establishment back in May 2023 and seized more than 200 cannabis plants, it was reported. 

Now there are plans to transform the building into a residential accommodation with 10 en-suite rooms. According to planning papers, proposals would include a large communal kitchen/dining area with minimal external changes.

The building sits within a conservation area of the town centre. The applicant, First Choice Investments Ltd, claimed they have designed from the outset to limit the number of external changes, given the historical significance of the site.

The developer claims they have ‘ensured’ there is no adverse impact upon the visual character of the conservation area. 

Planning papers read: “The site has remained vacant for over two years and is unviable to continue in its current lawful use as a public house. 

“It has been subject to anti-social behaviour and criminal activity since closing, as evidenced by the police investigation in May 2023 relating to the discovery of a cannabis farm at the premises reported in the local media.”

The applicants added the site is ‘not a registered asset of community value and the local community will continue to be well served by several pubs within the immediate vicinity’. Two of these pubs include The Old Hunters Tavern just 270 metres to the south east and The Society Rooms which lies 530 metres to the west. 

Planning approval would need to be given by the council before any building work could start. A decision is expected to be made before the end of the year.