Mitchell Wood Ltd

Mitchell Wood Ltd: architecture and planning in Ripon

Mitchell Wood Ltd is a company based in Ripon, North Yorkshire, providing architectural and planning services. Its approach focuses on fixed fees and rapid application processing, with nationwide coverage for specialist cases and broader coverage for straightforward planning applications. The company reports a high first-time success rate and a seven-day submission target.

Planning and architectural services

The firm covers a wide range of domestic and commercial planning applications. Its work includes extensions, loft conversions, detached annexes, garage conversions, dropped kerbs for vehicle access, commercial change of use, householder planning applications, full planning applications, certificates of lawful development, certificates of lawful development for existing developments, building regulations, and planning enforcement matters.

Fee model and commitment

The company does not charge an upfront deposit. Payment is structured in three stages: an initial payment of 25% after the survey is completed, a second payment of 50% when the plans are finished and the application is ready to submit to the local authority, and a final payment of 25% only when the application is approved. In the event of refusal, Mitchell Wood undertakes to address the reasons for refusal and carry out a redesign and resubmission at no additional cost. If the client decides not to proceed, no further payments are due. The company provides a contract with the exact fees before the client decides to instruct it. Once approval is obtained, it requests payment within three working days.

Project selection and success rate

Mitchell Wood does not accept every commission. It selects proposals based on their likelihood of success and declines instructions when it considers there is a high risk of refusal or when its workload is full. The company develops its schemes with reference to the Local Plan and submits clear, detailed applications that include information frequently omitted, such as material specifications for permitted development applications. Once an application has been validated and assigned to a case officer, the company maintains communication to resolve potential issues and, if difficulties arise, can introduce adjustments during the process to support approval.

Plans and 3D architectural modelling

Plans usually include elevations and floor plans of the existing property and the proposal, with front, rear and side views, and sometimes a roof plan. They are drawn to scale, typically 1:100, and presented in A1 format, although they are normally viewed electronically. The company states it has developed its own method of producing plans with a level of detail superior to that of many competitors, particularly relevant for listed or historic buildings.

In addition, Mitchell Wood produces realistic 3D architectural models of any planning proposal. These models can be submitted physically as part of the application or included via photographs in supplementary documentation. The company considers them a useful element for complex applications, especially when they affect listed buildings, and also for explaining straightforward proposals to neighbours who do not easily interpret technical drawings.

Coverage and offices

The company can handle specialist planning cases throughout the United Kingdom. For straightforward planning applications, its coverage is concentrated in the areas detailed on its website. It has a registered office and a studio in Ripon, North Yorkshire, and an office in Guildford, Surrey.

Service and contact

The company is available by phone Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 20:00 and on Saturdays from 10:30 to 14:30. To request a price for planning or architectural services without needing to speak by phone, it offers a contact form asking for a brief description of the building (number of bedrooms, age, etc.), the approximate location and what is intended to be done. The company responds with a price and an indicative schedule, subject to confirmation before instruction.

Offices and locations

Location 1: Mitchell-Wood Ltd, Elizabeth House, 1 Brewery Close, Barker Business Park, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5NL

Ripon Studio: Mitchell-Wood Ltd, Elizabeth House, 1 Brewery Close, Barker Business Park, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5NL

Guildford Office: Mitchell-Wood Ltd, 14 London Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 6GH