by political editor Paul Francis

Controversial plans to close three old people's homes and sell others to the private sector look set to go ahead in the face of widespread opposition.

Social services chiefs have recommended no changes be made to their original proposals after a five-month consultation that saw thousands of people register their opposition.

Cllr Graham Gibbens, KCC’s cabinet member for adult care said he would wait to hear what colleagues had to say about the proposals before making his final decision.

But he emphasised no homes would be shut or sold off until alternatives were in place.

A report to be presented to KCC’s cabinet recommends that the original plans, which will affect about 400 staff and require the relocation of about 100 residents, are broadly kept intact.

Under its plans, KCC would close outright three homes: Ladesfield in Whitstable; Sampson Court in Deal and The Limes in Dartford.

Three others would be sold off to the private sector and KCC will negotiate agreements allowing it to secure places at them. These are Blackburn Lodge, Sheerness; Doubleday Lodge, Sittingbourne and Kiln Court at Faversham.

Three other homes will be replaced with sheltered accommodation incorporating round-the-clock care and shared services.

These are Bowles Lodge at Hawkhurst; Cornfields in Dover and Manorbrooke at Dartford.

Cllr Gibbens said this would create sheltered housing for about 300 people.

There could be a brief stay of execution for Bowles Lodge and Sampson Court, with the council saying these should close in December this year and January 2012 rather than September this year.

And some care services for those recovering after being in hospital will be kept in-house, with Gravesham Place providing care for those that would have gone to The Limes and some day care services at Bowles Lodge transferred to Westview in Tenterden.

The report says the changes will help improve care and allow more money to be invested in providing care in the independent sector.

It rejects alternative proposals that were put forward for five of the homes affected: Cornfields, The Limes, Bowles Lodge, Ladesfield and Sampson Court.

Cllr Gibbens said: " Officers have said that all the representations have not led to any significant or material changes to the [original] proposals."

He added that KCC needed to respond to the rising demand it faced for care services. "While I understand that many people are concerned about how we are going to care for elderly people now, I also have the responsibility for how we care for them in the future."

Of the impact on residents, he said: "All the evidence shows that when these moves are well-planned, people can move on successfully into new homes."

Over a 19-week consultation, KCC held 82 meetings attended by some 1,400 people. Petitions signed by several thousand people opposing the plans were submitted and a further 1,000 registered their views.

Opposition Labour leader Les Christie accused KCC of ignoring the views of the public.

"In response to the consultation, more than 16,000 residents expressed their strong opposition to the proposals and at most a mere handful in favour. Yet not a single recommendation has been changed.

"It is a mockery of democracy and gives a clear indication of how little localism means to KCC."