Street Naming

Contents

• Naming and Numbering
• Who should apply for the new address and when?
• Properties - how do I number properties?
• Sub-Dividing property
• Estates - how do I name new streets and number properties?
• Can I name my house without contacting the council?
• Guidance for developers
• Postcodes and mail delivery enquiries
• Just moved into new build property

Naming and Numbering

Rushcliffe Borough Council is responsible for street naming and numbering within the borough. 

We decide what the street name and building number/name should be for every property in the borough.

This function is carried out under the provisions of Sections 64 & 65 of the Towns Improvement Clauses Act 1847, Section 21 of the Public Health Acts Amendment Act 1907 and the Local Government Act 1972 and in accordance with British Standard BS7666.

Addressing properties correctly is vital. The public, Royal Mail, the emergency services and many other organisations, need accurate ways to locate properties. In order to get a proper address it is important that you notify us of any new developments, including conversions, as soon as possible.

Property owners or developers must not choose their own addresses because addresses need to follow certain guidelines and be officially registered by us. Without proper addresses, issued by us, your development could be delayed.

Our full guidance to street naming and numbering is available Guide to street naming and numbering.

Schedule of Charges

We will not normally charge for Street Naming and Numbering work. However, in cases where work is discretionary or additional then a fee will apply.

Discretionary services are those that are considered to be additional to our normal responsibilities under our legal obligations. As detailed in the table below, this includes re-doing work due to changes in plot numbers, changes to property access and renumbering/renaming existing properties.

Please note that VAT is not applicable to charges made in respect of Street Naming and Numbering

1. All requests must be completed on the appropriate form which is available on our website or from propertyinformation@rushcliffe.gov.uk
2. All fees must be paid prior to our notification and/or written confirmation being issued.
3. Postcodes remain the responsibility of Royal Mail.
4. Rushcliffe Borough Council can only issue street naming and numbering schemes contained within the borough boundary.

Contact PropertyInformation@rushcliffe.gov.uk for further advice about these applications and fees.

You can pay using our online payment system.

Who should apply for the new address and when?

• The developer or person constructing the new property should make the application.
• Applications can be for new residential properties, or sub-division of existing properties, or for commercial properties.
• The application should be made after planning permission has been granted. For smaller developments, you should apply when you make your building regulations application. 

I’m building a single property/small development – how do I number properties?

• Please complete the SNN1 form

Please read the following guidance before completing the form:

• We will usually number a single or small development into the existing street, using the next logical number. For infill properties this may mean using ABC with the adjoining number eg 1A, 1B, 1C.
• If the street is in a village or another location where the properties only have names (not numbers), then you will have to give the new property a name. Ideally, you should name the property in consultation with the prospective buyer of the property (if there is one).
• Names should not be similar to existing properties in the same locality.
• You will also need to submit a plan of the site at 1:1250 scale showing the new properties.
• We will obtain the relevant postcode from Royal Mail and inform you so that this information can be passed on to purchasers. We will then inform the relevant council services, emergency services and other bodies of the new address via the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) portal.

Sub-Dividing property

• Please complete the SNN1 form

Please read the following guidance before completing the form:

• Please include the existing address and postcode of the property. 
• If you are sub-dividing a property eg converting it into flats, you need to apply to us to request addresses for the new properties. 
• We will obtain the relevant postcode from Royal Mail and issue the new addresses
• You will also need to submit a plan of the site at 1:1250 scale showing the new properties.
• We will obtain the relevant postcode from Royal Mail and issue the new addresses to you. You will then pass this information to your purchasers.
• We will inform the relevant council services, emergency services and other organisations of the new address via the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) portal.

I’m building a large estate – how do I name new streets and number properties?

• Please use the ‌SNN3 form

Please read the following guidance before completing the form:

• You will also need to supply a full site plan (in pdf format) showing all the intended properties. 
• We will ask for your suggestions for street names and will then consult with the Parish Council (Ward Members in the case of West Bridgford). We will also check for duplication or similar sounding names and may ask you for alternatives. 
• A period of 21 days is allowed for consultation with Parish Councils. 
• Once the names are agreed, we will then ask Royal Mail for postcodes.
• We will then prepare the numbering schedule and send this to you. You can then inform purchasers of their addresses and postcodes. 
• These applications can take us some time to deal with. It is important that you apply at an early stage.
• You will also be asked to supply the street nameplates to our standard design, details of this are available on request. 

Can I name my house without contacting the council?

If your property already has a number

As the owner you may add a name to the property number without contacting us as long as the name does not conflict with an existing property in the locality. The name will not be registered as part of the official address and the property number must still be displayed and used in any correspondence etc. This is enforceable under section 65 of the Towns Improvement Clauses Act 1847.

If your property does not have a number and is known by a name

If your property has no number and is known by a name, for example ‘White Gates’, then you must seek permission from us to change that name.

We will charge a fee for changing the name or number of an existing named or numbered property. The fees are detailed in the above table. You can pay using our online payment system. Contact PropertyInformation@rushcliffe.gov.uk for further advice about these applications and fees.

Please complete the SNN2 form and attach a plan at 1:1250 scale showing your property marked. We will confirm your new property name and inform the relevant bodies.

Guidance for developers

See our Guide to street naming and numbering or contact us.

Postcodes and mail delivery enquiries

Postcodes are allocated by Royal Mail and queries relating to these and enquiries about problems with mail delivery should be made to them by telephoning 08457 740 740 or by visiting the Royal Mail website.

Just moved into a New Build Property or Newly Converted Flat?

If you have recently moved into a new build property and the address does not appear on Royal Mail's website you'll need to let them know that the property is now occupied. Do this by email to addressmaintenance@royalmail.com or telephone 0845 601 1110 (and choose option 3, then option 1).

Royal Mail should already hold the address on their 'Not Yet Built' file. If they do not because the address has not been officially notified through the Address Management process, then they may ask you to contact us.