Street naming and numbering application guidance

How to input the current address 

When you are inputting the current address of the property to be named or numbered, please use the following format: 

Individual address

2 Home Close
Catford  
London
SE6 4RU

Block of flats

1–12 Home Close
Catford
London
SE6 4RU

Vacant land

Land to the rear of 2 Home Close

or

Land to the side of 2 Home Close

Proposed new address

Street names

You must propose at least three different street names on the application to avoid disappointment and save your time if the proposed name is rejected. The following rules apply to street naming:

• We give preference to names with local historical significance.

• Duplication of road names within the borough is not allowed, e.g. St John’s Close off of an existing St John’s Way.

• Names should be easy to pronounce and not awkward to spell.

• No street or building name should start with ‘The’.

• Road name suffixes should be one of the following: Street or Road (for any thoroughfare); Avenue, Drive, Grove, Lane, Place (for residential roads); Close (for a cul-de-sac only); Crescent (for a crescent shape only); Gardens (subject to there being no confusion with any local open space).

• The following suffixes are not acceptable: End, Cross, Side, Park, Meadow, Court or Wharf.

• Pedestrian-only ways should end with one of the following suffixes: Walk, Path or Way.

Building names

You must propose at least three different building names on the application to avoid disappointment and save your time if the proposed name is rejected. Proposed names to buildings should end with one of the following suffixes:

• House, Court, Lodge, Mansions, Apartments, Point (residential only).

• Tower or Heights should only be used for high blocks (residential or offices).

• The use of North, South, East or West is only acceptable if the building is on a continuous road that passes over a major junction.

Street and building numbers

The following rules apply to street and building numbering:

• When numbering street properties, you should use even numbers on one side and odd numbers on the other. This does not include cul-de-sacs, which should be numbered consecutively in a clockwise direction.

• You should not number private garages and similar buildings used for housing cars and vehicles.

• A proper sequence must be maintained with number 13 included.

• Buildings, including those on corner sites, must be numbered according to the street where the main entrance is to be found. Manipulating numbers to secure a “prestige” address or to avoid an address will not be allowed.

• When an existing street or road is extended, you should continue to use the same street name. This is subject to the limitations of the existing numbering scheme. 

Postcodes

We assign postal addresses to new properties and developments, and Royal Mail assign postcodes. They will determine postcodes after they receive confirmation of the address we have assigned. You can contact Royal Mail with postcode enquiries online or by calling 0906 302 1222. 

Additional information

• Please complete the form on a Microsoft Windows machine such as a desktop computer or laptop. The form cannot be currently completed on devices running on Apple operating systems.  

• You should allow at least six weeks for names and numbers to be approved.

• If you don’t provide sufficient information, your application will be delayed.

• For new street names, we are required to display a 28 day notice to the local residents in the respective area.

• We will consider your naming suggestions in consultation with the emergency services, Royal Mail and the general public. If no objections are raised, and the suggestions comply with our street naming and numbering policy, we will officially allocate the name and notify all relevant bodies automatically.

• Please contact us if you need assistance to complete the application.

• You must always notify us when a new build or conversion is completed.

You might also be interested in:

• Apply for street naming and numbering