ELDERLY residents at three care homes in the district face disruption as Kent County Council announces plans to shut, sell and rebuild three premises in Dover, Deal and Sandwich.

In a bid to revamp the way it caters for older people KCC are looking at massive changes to 11 of the 16 care homes it runs across the county. It is hoped the move could save some £2 million a year.

Among the changes are proposals to permanently shut Sampson Court in Deal, sell off Wayfarers in Sandwich to an independent care organisation and, as exclusively revealed in the Express last December, demolish Cornfields in Whitfield and replace it with independent living flats - a type of sheltered housing.

A KCC spokesman said: "The proposals have been designed to reflect two priorities: making sure that older people get good quality care in a good quality building, and helping KCC to make the best use of resources."

The authority says projects such as the one planned for Cornfields will let people remain in their own homes but with 24-hour care and facilities.

In May outline planning permission was granted for the Cranleigh Drive home to be knocked down despite opposition from Dover District Council, Whitfield Parish Council and 17 other planning committee members.

It will see the property flattened to make way for the flats under the Excellent Homes For All programme.

This is a scheme run by the county council, district and borough councils, and private sector health providers, to build sheltered housing complexes.

A similar development in Buckland of 40 flats, accommodating people aged 55 and over, and another seven properties for residents with learning difficulties, was completed last year.

The Whitfield project will create 20 one-bedroom and another 20 two-bedroom apartments, with on-site care and communal facilities, such as a hairdresser's and gym for residents.

When the plans were revealed in the Express last year county council project director David Weiss said current residents will be "moved out gently" with the prospect of many returning when the work is complete.

Top councillors at KCC agreed on Monday to launch a consultation on the proposals which will run from June 21 until November 1.

KCC Cabinet member for Kent Adult Social Services Graham Gibbens, said: "These proposals are about people – about the future and the way care is provided.

" want to have the choice to have care at home when I get older and I want the choice of extra care should I need it. If I do need residential care, it should be as good as it can be.

"These proposals are about creating a legacy of dignity, quality careand a quality environment.

"They are also about saving money so that we can continue to protect services wherever possible."

A final decision is expected in January 2011.

Find out about the proposals at www.kent.gov.uk/opfutures.

Give your views by calling 01732 525477, e-mail opfutures@kent.gov.uk or write to Older Persons Futures, 3.12 Brenchley House, 123-135 Week Street, Maidstone, ME14 1RF.

Will you or one of your relatives be affected by the plans? Let us know by calling 01303 851657 or e-mail kathy.bailes@KRNmedia.co.uk