Street Naming and Numbering

Changes to Street Names and Numbers

Street Naming and Numbering is carried out by the Borough Council under the Public Health Act 1925

The address of a property is an increasingly importance issue. It is vital that the many services and organisations can locate a property quickly and efficiently. The Council has the responsibility to maintain a Local Land and Property Gazetteer (LLPG), which is a database of property addresses within Swale. The purpose of this control is to make sure that any new street names and building names and numbers are allocated logically. A postal address comprises:

• Property number, house name or both
• Name of street by which the property is accessed
• Town
• County
• Postcode

Please be aware that we are unable to process the naming of streets or private dwellings before planning permission has been granted. We would advise you to wait, in case changes are made to the final layouts. On larger developments, sometimes the houses are built in phases. We will try and make allowances in the numbering to accommodate subsequent phases. 

What if there is no house number?

House names alone are not favoured by councils or the emergency services as a number readily identifies the location of a property in a road. Other than in exceptional circumstances a house number should be prominently displayed so it can be easily read. In the case of addresses where there is no number allocated, the allocated name does form part of the official address.

Changing a Property Name

If your property has a name and not a postal number and you wish to change the name of the property, you have to obtain approval. The reason for this is, confusion could arise with more than one property being known by the same or similar name in the same road or vicinity. This causes problems for the Emergency Services in locating the property. 

Adding a Name to your property

A property owner can name their property without contacting the council if they have a postal number, as long as it does not conflict with an existing property name in that locality. The property number must be clearly displayed on the property and be visible from the Highway. Any name given to a property that has a postal number, will not form part of the official postal address. Your property will only be known by its number, which you must quote in all communications.

Postcodes

Swale Borough Council is not responsible for issuing new postcodes, this is the responsibility of Royal Mail. Royal Mail, however, will not issue a postcode for a new street or property until requested to do so by the Council. Postcodes for commercial premises are allocated in the same way as residential premises, but a large company or business can apply to Royal Mail for its own code - known as a large user code. Application for a large user code is the responsibility of the user, as they will know what volume of mail they generate. Enquiries about postcodes can be dealt with direct at: Royal Mail Address Management Centre, Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury SY1 1AA. Telephone 0845 604 5060  Fax 0845 604 4433. Searches for postcodes can also be carried out on the Royal Mail Website.

If you wish to apply for Street Name and Numbering or Name Change please read the information sheet section, where the fees are explained, and complete the application form on the attached link. We will acknowledge your application, and inform you when the new address has been approved. We will also inform the following:

• Emergency Services
• Utility Companies
• Land Registry
• Ordnance Survey
• Electoral Register
• Council Tax

If you require any further help please ring 01795 417343 or email streetname@swale.gov.uk

Information Sheet

If you wish to continue with your application please read these notes carefully before completing and returning this form. If you require assistance or further information please contact:

YOU MAY ONLY MAKE THIS APPLICATION IF YOU ARE THE LEGAL OWNER OF THE PROPERTIES THAT ARE THE SUBJECT OF THE APPLICATION.

Description of the location or current address of the building to which the application relates.

Please be as specific as possible and include a location plan to scale of not less than 1:1250 or sketch plan. This plan should clearly show the property in relation to adjacent properties and roads. We CANNOT process your application without the location plan.  If the application is for a flat conversion please make sure we can identify individual flats, and the location of the main entrance.

Proposed name/numbering

If a new development is to be named and numbered please include a location plan that shows all the plots concerned marked with plot numbers and proposed street/road names. Please include floor plans for flats to indicate which levels these refer to so that the allocated numbering will be logical. The numbering will be carried out by Swale Borough Council in accordance with standard procedure. Numbers, rather than names will be allocated wherever possible on all new buildings.

You may make three suggestions for street names; however, it is the policy of the Council to consult with the appropriate Local Councillor and Parish or Town Council on proposed street and road names. This encourages the use of names that reflect the local history and character of the area. Please put these suggestions in order of preference. Suggested names will not be accepted if they are likely to cause offence or will duplicate the name of another property/street, which could cause confusion. Naming after a family or persons still living, or other organisations or companies etc. will not be permitted. When changing the name of an individual property it will not be accepted if it is likely to duplicate or is similar to an existing registered address.

Additional Information

Include any information that could assist with the processing of your application.

Fees and How to make a payment

Note: Individual flats are charged as one new property/unit

Cheque's should be made payable to Swale Borough Council

Declaration

By signing this form and submitting it as an application to the Council, we will undertake the Street Naming and Numbering process and assign the postal address to the properties described in under the Town Improvements Clauses Act 1847 Section 64 and BS7666. You are confirming that you the legal owner of the property/development/land and as such have the right to make the application. Incomplete and unsigned applications cannot be accepted.

Street Name and Numbering Application Form