OakNorth Provides £4.7m Loan to Strengthen Close Care Facilities at Lavender Fields Care Village
OakNorth, the digital bank for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs, has provided a £4.7m loan to Spring House Farm Developments Ltd, to support the development of 19 new close care bungalows at Lavender Fields Care Village near Pocklington, East Yorkshire.
The homes will be purpose-built for people living with care needs due to age or incapacity, and will form the latest phase of Lavender Fields Care Village a 10-acre integrated retirement and care community created by Chris Mitchell. The village already comprises a 72-bed specialist care home, 29 close care bungalows delivered across two earlier phases, together with a café, fully licensed pub, hydrotherapy suite, hair and beauty salon, village shop and consulting rooms for visiting healthcare professionals, all to enable sustainable living catering for every need within the site. Dementia Forward, Yorkshire’s largest dementia charity, whom Chris has worked with for over 10 years, have also based their East Riding of Yorkshire HQ on site at Lavender Fields.
Chris Mitchell has spent more than 30 years in the care sector and has developed Lavender Fields into one of the UK’s most distinctive integrated retirement living and dementia care communities. Previous phases of the development sold well ahead of schedule, with strong demand continuing for the village’s close care bungalows. The latest phase has already attracted significant early interest and will further expand the community’s offering.
Chris Mitchell, Owner of Lavender Fields Care Village, commented on the transaction: “We’re delighted to once again be working with OakNorth as we continue to grow Lavender Fields. The team has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of both the real estate and healthcare sectors, which has been invaluable in supporting our vision. James Espley and the wider team have been particularly impressive – combining expertise with speed, clarity and transparency throughout the process. We’ve now partnered with OakNorth on several projects because they understand what we’re building here and consistently deliver. This latest phase will allow us to meet growing demand for high-quality close care housing while continuing to enhance the wider Lavender Fields community. A ‘one stop shop’ from the onset of care right through to the final days. A forever home!”
James Espley, Senior Director of Property Finance at OakNorth, added: “Chris has built something truly distinctive at Lavender Fields. Having supported multiple phases of the development over several years, we’ve seen first-hand the strength of demand for this integrated model of retirement living, close care and specialist dementia care. Earlier phases sold ahead of schedule and the wider village has continued to evolve into a genuine destination community. We’re delighted to continue supporting Chris and the team as they deliver the next phase of a scheme that is helping meet growing demand for high-quality close care accommodation.”
