Street naming and numbering

Introduction
Background
Unique property reference number
Street naming
Street nameplates
Postal numbering
Circulation of postal information
Postcodes
Street naming and property numbering advice policy
Making an application
Schedule of fees

Introduction

Since 1974 we, as Wyre Forest District Council, have been responsible for street naming and property numbering. The power to name and number streets is given under the Public Health Act 1925 and the Towns Improvements Clauses Act 1847.

It is our responsibility to allocate house names/numbers and road names to new developments and to give consent to any changes to the addresses of existing properties.

Our advice policy note on street naming and property numbering procedures sets out the our powers and duties for undertaking street naming and numbering.

Background

It is imperative that emergency service vehicles and Royal Mail are able to locate new properties quickly and efficiently. Therefore the overall objective when undertaking street naming and numbering for new properties is to allocate unique and logical addresses.

Unique property reference number (UPRN)

In addition to the traditional method of addressing a property the Government has introduced a British Standard (BS7666) for the precise identification of a property or plot of land. Work is progressing across the country on this initiative (called the National Land and Property Gazetteer or NLPG) and many properties already have a 12 digit unique property reference number (UPRN) allocated. This permits additional information such as co-ordinates to be accessed, allowing the property to be precisely located on a map. From 1^st April 2011 the NLPG will form the backbone of a single address database initiative called NAG (National Address Gazetteer).

We are committed to this initiative through the local land and property gazetteer (LLPG), which will be used to centralise address management, maintenance and recording systems. This information will be used to improve the service to the public by reducing any ambiguity about properties and by updating numerous records simultaneously.

Alterations to this local data are regularly forwarded to the national land and property gazetteer which is marketed commercially, so that benefits can be gained by Royal Mail, the emergency services and utility companies. As part of this process the location and naming of new streets is an essential starting point. Whilst this is strictly a district council function any alterations to street names are notified to Worcestershire County Council who hold and maintain the local street gazetteer as this information is essential for highway management responsibilities.

Street naming

We have a strict procedure for allocating new street names under the provisions of the Public Health Act 1925. Road naming powers under the Public Health Act 1925 have been delegated to the appropriate council officer after consultation with ward members. In addition, under the Wyre Forest Parish Charter formally adopted by Wyre Forest District Council on 28.09.95, we are required to consult each parish/town council routinely on street naming under clause 7.3. Generally speaking, we will implement a new street name for a development with a new access road consisting of five or more new properties. Further details can be found in our advice policy note on street naming and property numbering procedures.

Street nameplates

Maintenance and replacement of street nameplates is carried out by us. Please contact the Street Scene section on 01562 732928.

Postal numbering

Once new road names have been established, it is our responsibility to produce the numbering scheme for a new development, under Sections 64 and 65 of the Towns Improvement Clauses Act, 1847. This is undertaken by consulting the developer’s plans and allocating each plot number a house number. Developers should note that only the district council can issue the formal postal number and developers should not allocate their own numbering as part of their marketing strategy.

Circulation of new or revised naming and numbering information

We produce standard postal naming and numbering circulars on a monthly basis. These consist of written explanations and OS referencing for all new property naming and numbering that have been agreed by the council within the district. They may also include formal confirmation of addresses following postal confusion and agreed changes to property names in those parts of the district where there is no street numbering. Location plans are also distributed with the postal circulars.

The circulars are currently distributed to a standard list of recipients, for example Royal Mail, the emergency services, the Highway Authority, utility companies and our council tax and electoral sections. Postal circulars are also electronically distributed to all council members for their information. We will send relevant extracts from the circular along with location plans, to developers and members of the public, to confirm the naming/numbering of their development, at their request.

There are national procedures being developed in order that notification to Royal Mail, the emergency services and utility companies will be done centrally. However, when this is in place, we will still continue to confirm new addresses to developers and householders.

Allocation of postcodes

Post codes for new properties are issued by Royal Mail. Any queries relating to new or existing postcodes should be directed to Royal Mail Customer Services.  

Apply for a new or amend an existing address

The street naming process, for new developments, can take several months and it is therefore advisable to make an application to us at the earliest possible stage of the development. Before making an application please read our advice policy note:

View the council's advice policy note on street naming and property numbering procedures (263K).

Download an application form   (30K)

Download the schedule of fees  (9K)

Charges (with effect from April 1^st 2012)

Charges agreed by Wyre Forest District Council Cabinet 15/03/2011

* There is NO charge for adding or changing the name of a property that is also numbered. If a property is already numbered, a property owner can additionally name their property, as long as it does not conflict with an existing property name in that locality. The property name in this case will not officially form part of the property address, and the property number must still be displayed and referred to in any correspondence.