“We have listened to public opinion and the concerns raised by residents on the issues around adequate toilet provision in Braintree town centre."
Plans for the inclusion of public toilets, as part of the Victoria Square development, have been given the green light.
Plans for the build of three toilet cubicles, one accessible to disabled users, were approved at a meeting of the planning committee last night (Tuesday, 19 January).
The toilets will be located opposite the Braintree museum and at the entrance to the new bus interchange being built off of Manor Street.
The three cubicles will be on the ground floor of the main apartment building which will also house a Livewell health hub, pharmacy and restaurant or cafe.
The proposals include baby changing facilities. The unit will be fitted with anti-vandal fixtures and fittings.
The toilets will open to the public once the building work on the development finishes in the autumn.
Cllr Tom Cunningham, Deputy Leader at Braintree District Council, said: “We have listened to public opinion and the concerns raised by residents on the issues around adequate toilet provision in Braintree town centre. We looked at the options on how best to incorporate toilets within the Victoria Square scheme and have opted for a solution which places them in a convenient location, close to the bus interchange, and accessible to residents, bus drivers and their passengers.”
Cllr Wendy Schmitt, Cabinet Member for Environment and Place at Braintree District Council, said: “When people are travelling by bus, having access to safe and clean toilets before and after a journey is important. For some people, a lack of adequate toilet facilities can result in anxiety when leaving the house which is why I applaud the addition of these toilets to the project.”