Braintree District Council’s Planning Committee has approved changes to a Section 106 agreement that will support a free shuttle bus service between Braintree town centre and Braintree Village to be reinstated.
The original planning consent for Braintree Village included a requirement for a free shuttle bus service to help maintain strong links between the outlet shopping village and the town centre.
The shuttle bus service was secured through a Section 106 legal agreement attached to the original planning permission granted in 1997, with updated requirements agreed in 2001.
The shuttle bus has not operated since March 2020, following the Covid‑19 pandemic and the end of the previous operator’s contract. Since then, Braintree District Council and Landsec, owner of Braintree Village, have been working together to explore a sustainable way to reinstate the service.
Under the approved amendment, the shuttle bus service will be reinstated as a free, timetabled service operating during Braintree Village’s main trading hours. The service will run hourly between 10am and 5pm, providing eight round trips per day between Braintree Bus Interchange and Braintree Village.
The service will be operated by Central Connect with a minimum seated capacity of 35 passengers and additional standing room. Passengers will also be able to track the bus in real time via an app or through the operator’s website.
The shuttle bus will operate 362 days of the year, excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
It is expected the service will be operational from September 2026.
Councillor Frankie Ricci, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Infrastructure at Braintree District Council, said:
“We’re pleased to have worked closely with Braintree Village to find a practical way to reinstate the free shuttle bus, as strengthening the link between the village and the town centre is an important part of supporting our local economy.
“This collaborative approach has helped us to reach a balanced solution that supports residents, visitors and local businesses alike.
“We know how valued this service was by residents when it was running, and its return will make it easier for people to move between the two, helping to encourage footfall and support the businesses and services at the heart of our town.”
(Picture: Braintree District Council)
