Procedure to rename an existing street, renumber properties or name a street that was previously unnamed
Town/Parish Councils may from time to time request that the Council rename an existing street or name a street that was previously unnamed. Town/Parish Councils can only make such a request if they can demonstrate that the owners/residents of all affected properties have been consulted and at least two thirds are in agreement to the change.
Applications can also be received by the Council direct from the residents but it is considered a courtesy to liaise with the Town/Parish Council before submitting an application to the Council.
Applications can be made online on the Council's website for a fee of £40.00 per property.
All proposals must be accompanied by a site location plan indicating the full length of the street to be named.
If the proposal is approved, a Notice will be erected on site and lodged with the Clerk to the Justices for one month whereby objections to the proposal can be received. After consideration a decision will be made on whether to approve the proposal using delegated authority by the COP lead for Development Management.
Once approved the Council will confirm the new street name is acceptable with the Royal Mail. The Royal Mail may issue a new postcode for the street.
The Council will advise the residents/owners of their new official postal address as well as those Authorities detailed on Appendix A.
All costs associated with a change of address will be met by the owners/residents themselves.
All costs associated with providing and erecting street nameplates, except in exceptional circumstances, will be met by the residents/owners of the street or the Town/Parish Council as appropriate. Once erected the Council will maintain the street nameplate.
Sometimes, the Council may decide that in order to improve the delivery of mail, and the routing of emergency services a street needs to be renamed, or renumbered. The Council will only do this after consultation with the owners of the affected properties and will always give one month's notice in writing as detailed above. In these circumstances all costs associated with providing and erecting street nameplates will be met by the Council.
The Royal Mail may also approach the Council where they believe there is an operational necessity to make changes to addresses. The Council will only make such changes where we believe there is a need, and after consultation with the residents/owners of the properties affected.
Any appeals should in the first instance be made to the Street Naming and Numbering Case Manager at the Council. If this is not satisfactorily dealt with, appeals should be directed through the formal complaint procedure. Details are available on the Council's website.