Street naming and house numbering

We are responsible for allocating street names and house numbers to individuals or property developers for new developments and property conversions. I.e. any work which will result in a new property or address.

We also maintain a record of all street names and property addresses (called the Local Land and Property Gazetteer).

Please note: Individuals and developers should not allocate their own house numbers, building or street names.

Why should you apply?

The address of a property is very important for making sure your property can be located and referenced by the general public, postal services and emergency services.

If you do not apply for a street name or house number with us, it will not appear on the main address database. This may result in difficulties receiving items which are ordered by mail.

When should you apply?

You should apply once planning permission has been granted, or during the early stages of work.

Utility companies may not install services without an official postal address and postcode.

How to apply?

To apply for a street name or house number contact address.enquiries@preston.gov.uk.

What to include

You will need to include:

• site location and layout plans (floor plans if any flats are being constructed)

Please note: The easiest way for us to access this information is by providing the approved planning application number (or building regulations application number) when you apply.

Guidance for new street name applications

The following rules apply when applying for a new street name:

• Names cannot be duplicated within the boundary of Preston, even when used with a different suffix
• Names that could be seen as advertising are not acceptable
• Names that could be considered offensive will not be accepted
• Suggested names need to be sufficiently unique to avoid confusion or misunderstanding
• Where possible names should reflect the history of the site or acknowledge the geography of the area
• The suffix chosen for the proposed street name must be appropriate to the street layout
• Names of living people are only permitted in exceptional circumstances
• Names of deceased people are only permitted where there is an historical connection to the location of the development, and permission has been obtained from the closest living relative the developer/applicant will be required to research the existence of any living relatives and obtain their consent.)

House naming (adding or changing)

You can add or change a house name to your property with an existing postal number. However you must get our approval to change a house name without a postal number.

Houses with numbers and no name

If your property has a postal number and you wish to give it a name as well, you may do so without our approval.

You may display the name on your property but you must still display the postal number.

The number cannot be replaced by a name.

Houses with names and no number

If your property has a name and not a postal number and you wish to change the name of the property, you will need our approval.

To apply for approval contact address.enquiries@preston.gov.uk.

Why is approval needed?

It could cause confusion if more than one property in the same area has the same name.

Emergency services could also be delayed in locating your property.

Postcodes

Postcodes are created by Royal Mail.

They are a sorting and routing instruction for Royal Mail to deliver items of mail quickly and accurately.