Rename or renumber a road
On rare occasions, it can become necessary to rename or renumber a street.
This is usually only done as a last resort when:
- there is confusion over a street’s name and/or numbering
- a group of residents is unhappy with the street name
- new properties are built in a street and there is a need for other properties to be renumbered to accommodate the new properties
- the number of properties in a street known only by their names is causing confusion for visitors, postal services or the emergency services.
In any of these cases, residents affected will be contacted and their views taken into account. The council will then consult the Royal Mail.
To change a street name, the council will ballot residents on the issue. At least two-thirds of residents must be in favour of the change before the council takes action.
This is a time-consuming process and the council is only able to progress one such change at any time.
All costs associated with this procedure, including advertising costs in the press and on site, replacement street nameplates and the standard renaming fee, must be met by the people initiating the change.
There may also be other charges for the council's services in managing the process.
See our schedule of charges and street naming and numbering conventions.