A DROYLSDEN pub that was the site of a murder by notorious criminal Dale Cregan may be turned into a solicitors’ office.
The one-eyed murderer, who later killed PCs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone, shot Mark Short in the chest at the Cotton Tree in Droylsden, Greater Manchester, in May 2012.
Now that building, which has stood empty for years, could find itself on the other side of the law following an application by Brindle and Yam solicitors.
The Manchester-based firm wants to convert the site, which later became an Indian restaurant, into a new office.
Documents for the application state: “This site presents a unique opportunity to re-purpose a derelict building. The proposed use will add greatly to the area and should be seen as a positive contribution.
“It adds to the character of the area, as such its preservation and repurpose should be a welcome proposal.
“The reuse of any derelict building is the best way to deliver a sustainable future.”
Tameside Council took on ownership of the Cotton Tree in 2013 after issues around is described as ‘anti-social behaviour.’
It was marketed for an alternative use and from 2016 it became an Indian restaurant, with a 10-year lease.
However, council documents state that the tenant racked up arrears of rent and business rates of more than £50,000.
Cregan walked into the pub searching for David Short, who was in the toilet.
He fired seven shots, hitting his 23-year-old son Mark – who died in his father’s arms – in the chest and three other members of the family, John Collins, Ryan Pridding and Michael Belcher.
Cregan later went on to murder David Short at his house in nearby Clayton, shooting him nine times and detonating a grenade on his body.
In September 2012, he then infamously lured the unarmed constables to the Hattersley area with a bogus emergency call before using a Glock handgun and a military grenade to kill them.
Cregan, 39. was jailed for the whole of his life for four murders and three attempted murders and is believed to be at the maximum security Ashworth psychiatric hospital in Liverpool.
Brindle and Yam, who have made the application through Lisa Yam, specialise in dealing with clients within the UK’s Chinese business community.
The firm says it also has wide ranging connections within the business and legal communities in Hong Kong and mainland China and can offer assistance to UK companies or individuals looking to do business there.
Tameside Council’s Speakers Panel (Planning) committee will decide whether to grant or refuse planning permission.