One of Sheppey's largest former care homes has been sold for £336,000.

The Mount, which had been home to residents with learning difficulties before it was closed in August 2016, went under the hammer at a Clive Emson auction at the County Showground at Detling this week.

The four-storey property in Delamark Road, Sheerness, had an original guide price in the catalogue of £400,000 to £420,000 although that was later reduced to £350,000.

It also has a garden backing onto Beach Street and planning permission to be converted into residential accommodation.

Auction appraiser Jon Rimmer said: "Builders and developers were attracted to this lot. It is a large property within a residential area and might be possible to sub-divide further although all necessary consents must be obtainable.”

Swale council had already agreed it could be converted into two, five-bedroom houses and one three-bedroom house.

The catalogue described it as a town centre property near local amenities, mainline railway station and the seafront. The complex stretches over three buildings, 9, 11 and 13.

Planning permission was granted by Swale council in December last year for a change of use from care home to residential.

The home, originally set up as charity in 1976 to cater for 11 residents, shut after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) branded its facilities outdated. At the time of its closure it only had four residents who were outnumbered by staff.

Eight staff were made redundant although six stayed on temporarily to clear the property and sort out paperwork.

Manager Pam Balchin said at the time: “It wasn’t money that closed us, it was just the building.”

The Mount was founded by Island Round Tablers led by the late businessman and builder Ken Shaw. It became known as the 'house which Sheppey built' and was one of 112 lots.

Former Shepherd Neame pub the Old House at Home, at the junction of Sheerness High Street and Millennium Way, was also listed in the auction with a guide price of £280,000 to £300,000 but was withdrawn at the last minute.

There is an application still lodged with Swale council for its demolition. Plans suggest it could be replaced with a micro-brewery on the ground floor with associated parking and seven flats above.

The council is yet to make a decision.