Street naming and numbering guidance notes for applicants

Before applying you will need to:

• ensure you have all required plans and supporting documents ready to upload
• allow sufficient time for any consultations and Royal Mail postcode allocation (if required)
• check that any suggested names comply with the naming rules
• for new dwellings and large developments: you must provide the original planning application reference number

Depending on your application type, you will need:

• for new developments: site layout plan, plot numbers, access points, floor plans for flats, the planning application number, and a list of suggested street names or themes if available
• for conversions: internal layout plans, unit numbering, and access details
• for a house name change: confirmation of property ownership and proposed name(s)

Choose the appropriate online application form from the following:

• apply to add or change a house name
• register a single new property
• register multiple new properties
• register converted properties

Complete all required fields and upload the necessary plans and documents.

Ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays in processing.

Submit payment online where required. Your application will not be processed until payment has been received.

Once submitted, you will receive an email confirmation.

• Names should reflect local heritage or geography.
• Names must not duplicate or resemble existing names.
• Names must not contain punctuation.
• Names should be easy to pronounce and spell.
• Names cannot be chosen to create a prestige or misleading address.
• Offensive or inappropriate names will not be accepted.
• Names of living individuals will not normally be used unless there are exceptional circumstances.
• Themes are usually applied to large developments for consistency.

• Properties must follow a logical numbering sequence.
• Odd numbers are normally assigned to the left-hand side of a road and even numbers to the right.
• Suffixes such as 9A may be used for infill developments.
• Corner properties are numbered based on their main access road.
• Numbers cannot be removed from a property even if a name is added.

House name changes may take up to 28 days. New developments and street naming may take longer depending on complexity and consultation requirements.

Fees (summary table)

Category	Type of application	Charge
New developments	Registering a new, individual property	£35
New developments	New development or redevelopment	£220 per road + £35 per plot
New developments	Amendment to previously approved address	£35 per property
Existing properties	Change of property/commercial name	£85
Existing properties	Change of building name	£85 + £35 per flat or unit
Existing properties	Street renaming	£220 + £35 per property
Existing properties	Database corrections	No charge

 

• We will notify Royal Mail, emergency services, utility providers and other internal departments.
• You will receive written confirmation of your new or amended address.
• Do not begin using a new property name or number until written confirmation has been issued.