A pub where police found a cannabis factory is to be turned into shops and apartments.
A fire which began in an upstairs room at The Waggon and Horses, Bradford Road, Hillhouse, last year is thought to have been caused by the shorting of the electricity supply by the cannabis growers – a common feature involved in the drug’s production.
The upstairs was rented out to tenants and police found 58 cannabis plants.
Following the negative publicity the pub’s licence to serve alcohol was revoked.
Now a plan for it to be turned into homes and shops is with Kirklees planners.
The six-bedroomed property was originally put up for sale for £245,000. It was bought by businessman Tassawar Hussain though the price he paid is not known.
Mr Hussain, who runs a trademark and online marketing company, 7455 Ltd in Liversedge, said he was determined to restore the building to something approaching its former glory.
He said: “It’s a very ugly building to say the least and the fire made its appearance even worse.
“But my wife is originally from the area and I want to put something back in to it.
“We are sandblasting the building and we are getting some good feedback from neighbours.”
His original idea was to turn the spacious first floor into six apartments but over the weekend he decided that would make them too cramped so his architects are going to turn them into four instead.
Downstairs there will be two shops, one of them selling Asian clothing for women.
Mr Hussain said he was hoping planning permission will be permitted for the proposed changes and the necessary work should be completed by the summer.
