The county councillor responsible for a centre for disabled people has apologised after staff and users discovered a planning application to turn the site into flats pinned to a lamp post.

Last Thursday, Kent County Council staff, parents and people who go to the Day Centre, or Day Opportunities Service (DOS) in St Stephen’s Walk, South Ashford, were alarmed to find a planning notice pinned to a lamp post informing them that the county council had applied to Ashford Borough Council for permission to build 12 one-bedroom flats on the site.

People who go to the centre are upset by the plans to close it. Many have been going for over 30 years and fear being separated from their friends and familiar surroundings.

Cllr Graham Gibbens (Con), cabinet member for Adult Social Services, Kent County Council said: “I’m very sorry that it did come as a shock for some people.

“Whilst I wish that people had been told the planning application was taking place, it’s only an outline planning application and nothing can happen without a formal planning application being submitted.

“I can give you my assurance that nothing formal will take place until new facilities are in place.”

KCC planners submitted the application on January 30 and a target decision date is listed as March 27 - less than two months away.

People who go to the centre are upset by the plans to close it. Many have been going for over 30 years and fear being separated from their friends and familiar surroundings.

The county council says the plans are part of its programme of modernising day services.

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Parents of people who use the centre feel the county council is not listening to their views.

Margaret Pett, whose daughter Janice has been going to the centre for 39 years, said: “Obviously the decision is already made.”

For more on this story, see Thursday's Kentish Express