A DISUSED boys' special school near Chepstow has new owners after being sold at auction for more than £1 million.

Mounton House was sold by Colliers CRE, the London-based agents acting for Monmouthshire county council, at its auction in Portman Square, London.

The council had instructed Colliers to market Mounton House in July last year, and the property had attracted more than 100 expressions of interest prior to the sale, and had featured in more than 10,500 copies of the firm's auction catalogue.

It was sold for £1.44 million to an unnamed bidder. Steve Greenslade, corporate director for resources and customer service in Monmouthshire, said the council was pleased to have realised the money for what was a redundant asset.

He said: "While there is no immediate decision on the use of the capital receipt it will benefit future re-investment in the county. There will be an immediate saving to the council tax payer of £6,000 in securing costs."

The property was supposed to have been auctioned last year, but delays in putting together legal documents to accompany the sale caused a hiccup.

One of the problems was believed to have been the connection with Castle Hill School, which adjoins the property. It was to have been sold with Mounton House and then been the subject of a lease-back arrangement. It is understood that Castle Hill School was not to be sold as part of the deal.

According to literature sent to interested parties, Monmouthshire county council indicated a "presumption against any demolition or new build on the site". The particulars also said the council will consider a wide range of uses for the building, including residential, hotel, educational, health related or even tourist activities, if they fit in with the local plan.

Mr Greenslade said: "While we cannot dictate the use to which the purchaser will put the building, county planning policies will apply and we hope Mounton House will have a useful and viable future."