Street Naming and Numbering
Street naming and numbering is a legal function of the Council
to allocate house numbers and road names to new developments and
property conversions. Individuals and developers should not
allocate their own house numbers, building or street names. The
Council also maintain the definitive record (Local Land and
Property Gazetteer) of all street names and property addresses.
Why street naming and numbering is important
The address of a property is increasingly becoming a very
important issue. More organisations, postal and emergency services
and the general public need an efficient means of locating and
referencing properties.
If a property is not “registered” through the street naming and
numbering process it will not appear on the main address database
and the owner/occupier will encounter difficulties in obtaining
mail, goods and services from a variety of sources, for example
applying for a credit card or obtaining goods by mail order.
The main address database is used by the council, Royal Mail,
all statutory undertakers, emergency services, credit agencies,
satellite navigation system suppliers and many private
companies.
All new addresses are allocated in line with British
Standard 7666-0: 2006.
Who should apply
- Individuals or developers building new houses, commercial or
industrial premises.
- Individuals or developers undertaking conversions of
residential, commercial or industrial premises which will result in
the creation of new properties or premises.
When should you apply
Once you have received planning permission you should apply for
a postal address in the early stages of any new build or
conversion. You should definitely apply before any new build or
conversion is substantially complete. Utility companies will not
install services without an official postal address and
postcode.
You will need to provide
- your contact name and details
- location and type of development
- official marketing name of the development
- planning permission approval number
- suggested new street names when relevant
We may ask for additional information when necessary to process
a request.
How long will it take?
We always aim to deliver a high quality
efficient service.
If your request relates to a new address on
an existing street under normal circumstances we will allocate a
postal address within 5 working days from receipt of a valid
application.
If your request involves the naming of new streets due to the
consultation process with Local Ward Councillors under normal
circumstances we will allocate a postal address within 28 working
days from receipt of a valid application.
In both cases your address is allocated without a postcode and
Royal Mail normally take another 48hrs to allocate a postcode. If
you wish to contact Royal Mail to ask about your postcode the
telephone number is 08457 740740.
Application form and guidance notes
If you wish to report a damaged street sign please contact us on
the number below.
If you would like to speak to a member of the Building Control
Team please contact us on 0300 123 7027.