The homes, including addresses in Mansfield, Retford and Nottingham, have more than 220 elderly residents and could shut as part of a five year plan.

County councillor Alan Rhodes said the decision was not driven by cost but would offer more independence.

The proposals will be put before a cabinet committee next month ahead of a three-month consultation.

Mr Rhodes said: "This is driven by our desire to provide top provision to older people across the county.

"People are telling us they want more independence and choice in their older years and that's what we're doing."

Sheltered housing

In a statement, the county council said homes being kept open would provide extra services including emergency care, breaks for carers and long-term care for people with complex problems.

The statement read: "Some of the county council's current care homes need heavy investment to bring them up to the modern standards older people in Nottinghamshire deserve.

"Even with this investment, refurbishment would mean we would need to reduce the number of beds in each home and we would still not have en-suite facilities in every bedroom."

With the closure of the homes, the council plans to open "Extra Care" facilities which would offer a form of sheltered housing with residents having their own homes with access to 24-hour support if they need it.

The homes earmarked for closure are St Michael's View in Retford, James Hince Court in Carlton-in-Lindrick, Daleside in Mansfield, Kirklands in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Ashcroft in Sutton-in Ashfield, Leivers Court in Arnold, Beuvale Court in Eastwood and Bishops Court in Boughton.