Street naming and numbering: register a new address

Please note that we are currently experiencing high levels of applications for new streets, name changes etc and we are unable to meet our publicised deadlines.

We will contact you as soon as possible and thank you for your patience.

Streets need to be named and buildings numbered when they are first built. You can also choose to add a name to your property or to change an existing name.

There is a charge for this service.
 

Naming/numbering of new streets/roads

You must apply for new property addresses if you:

• build new houses or block of flats
• convert an existing property into flats
• are creating streets on a new build site

The new address must meet the guidelines in our Street Naming and Numbering Policy (PDF) [363KB] .
 

Changing or adding a name to your property

You must tell us if:

• you want to change the name of your property
• your property already has a number but you want to add a name to your address

We'll consult with the local parish or town council and Royal Mail to ensure that suitable names are chosen. 

This is to make sure that the name is not already being used by anyone else in the area as this could cause problems for the emergency services and delivery companies in locating the property.

The new name must meet the guidelines in our Street Naming and Numbering Policy (PDF) [363KB] .
 

How to apply

To request any changes you'll need to complete the Allocation of a Postal Address form (PDF) [381KB] .

You'll also need to include a:

• location plan - showing the site clearly outlined (a sketch is acceptable but an Ordnance Survey extract would be preferred)
• copy of an up to date plot plan indicating plot numbers and front door access points (we only need this for new developments)
• floor plan indicating plot numbers and front door access points (we only need this for new developments which include flats)
   

Scale of charges for street naming and numbering

We have a scale of fees and charges for street naming and numbering.

These charges apply to anyone:

• changing the name of a property
• adding a name to a numbered property
• naming or numbering a new property or street
   

After you have applied

After you have applied we'll aim to:

• give written adoption or objection to a developer within 1 calendar month
• make the property name changes within 20 days
• respond to street naming and numbering enquiries within 5 working days

Guidance for developers

Please note that newly built properties will often need to be assigned a postal address before the utility companies will provide a connection. It would normally be expected for the developer to be responsible for registering new properties.

On large developments naming and numbering will only be implemented on those phases of a planning approval that are commenced. Further phases will be charged separately. Amendments to approved naming/numbering schemes may incur further charges.

These charges cover the cost of consultation with parish/town councils, Royal Mail, production of letters and schedules to developers, site visits to determine positioning of nameplates, confirmation letters to emergency services and utilities and entering onto the council's database systems.
 

Street name plates

We are responsible for ensuring that street name plates are provided and fitted in suitable positions.

In the case of a new development however, the developer is responsible for the erection of name plates to the council's specification.

Reporting a damaged street name plate

We are also responsible for repair and maintenance of street name plates within the district.

You can report a damaged or missing street sign or name plate to us.