S&L Planning has submitted a planning application supporting Bucher Municipal’s multi-phase redevelopment programme in Dorking, a programme that includes the previously announced 3.1-acre manufacturing plant and new plans to redevelop the former Carville Plastics site.
These combined schemes represent a major long-term investment in the company’s Dorking operations. Bucher Municipal, formerly Johnston Sweepers, has been manufacturing in Dorking since 1924, achieving leadership in truck-mounted sweeper production and exporting to more than 80 countries.
The company is a major local employer, with approximately 480 staff working across the Dorking site. The planned redevelopment of the site will enable Bucher to increase production capacity, meet growing worldwide demand and further enhance the working environment for staff and visitors.
The original application included the demolition of five outdated units and the construction of a 12,621 sq.m (3.1 acre) state-of-the-art manufacturing building. This application has now been supplemented by a second application for an additional 2,572 sq.m facility on the adjacent former Carville Plastics site at Station Road.
Together, the two schemes form a coordinated plan to modernise, consolidate, and future-proof Bucher’s Dorking operations, improving production efficiency, sustainability performance, and welfare facilities across the site.
The newly submitted Carville Plastics proposal includes the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of a modern single-unit facility with integrated workshop, welfare, and office accommodation, designed to operate 24/7 in line with existing shift patterns.
This second phase closely mirrors the objectives of the original 3.1-acre application, which was driven by the expansion of Bucher’s product range, the need to enhance manufacturing processes, and the ambition to deliver environmental improvements, supported by a ‘Very Good’ BREEAM assessment.
Mike Hughes, planning consultant at S&L Planning, led both submissions. He said: “These applications represent a strategic long-term investment in Dorking. The combined redevelopment will create modern, energy-efficient facilities that enable Bucher Municipal to expand, innovate, and remain at the forefront of global sweeper manufacturing.
“Together, the proposals will deliver more efficient manufacturing flows, improved welfare and office accommodation, and new technologies that support the company’s sustainability ambitions.”
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