by political editor Paul Francis

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

Social services chiefs have approved a series of proposals for 11 homes across Kent which will involve a major shift in the way care is provided.

The news will dismay many who spoke out against the plans.

Of more than 20,000 people who responded to a lenghty public consultation, the vast majority said they were opposed.

Now the politician in charge has given the green light to them although campaigners will make one last-ditch attempt to force a rethink next week.

Backbench councillors on KCC’s cabinet scrutiny committee are to hear from campaigners from four of the homes affected at a meeting next Wednesday. The committee has powers to ask the county council to reconsider but cannot overturn any decision.

Cllr Graham Gibbens (Con), KCC cabinet member for adult social care said in a statement today:

"I have listened to objections that have in many cases been well thought through and well argued. In making my decision, I have had to make a judgement about whether these objections are strong enough to challenge the reasoning behind the original proposals. I believe that the twin challenges of the present and the future are best met by going ahead with the recommendations.

He added: "This process has always been about people – about the way older people are cared for both now and into the future. Before we started, we knew that we had to plan for the future. We know that a demographic change is underway and that in the years to come more over 65s, more over 85s and more people with dementia will need care. There is a big challenge ahead of us."

He added: "I am acutely aware that the proposals, consultation and decision have brought uncertainty and, along with officers, I am determined to provide as much reassurance as possible."

Under the plans, KCC is set to 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 retain places. These are Blackburn Lodge, Sheerness; Doubleday Lodge, Sheerness 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.

There will 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.

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

Opposition also came from many county councillors, including some Conservative backbenchers.