Street naming and numbering
When a building project creates a new thoroughfare or building, the developer has to apply to us to give a names.
When a building project creates a new thoroughfare or building, the developer has to apply to us to give a name to the street, and a name or number to the building.
Emergency services need to be able to find a property easily. We need buildings to be named and numbered conventionally and marked clearly.
Street names
For new streets we ask for a name that:
- is easily spelled and pronounced
- has a relevant suffix, such as road or avenue
- does not duplicate a name already in use in Westminster or our neighbouring boroughs
- usually has a historical or local link to the area
Building names and numbers
A building's number should be in sequence of the street in which the main entrance is situated. If it is to be named it should not duplicate one already in use in the area.
The location of the principal entrance is important, as it determines which street the property is numbered. A building may have two or more numbers in different streets if there are multiple entrances for separate uses.
Guidelines
We have produced the following policy and guidelines, so proposals are sensible.
Street Naming and Numbering guidelines
Make your application
Before you begin, read our guidelines on street and building naming and numbering. These also explain the application process. To make an application, please download and fill in the form below.
Missing numbers
It is common for a building's name and number to be removed after alterations have taken place (a particular problem with new shopfronts). It's worth reminding designers that their drawings should show these clearly marked on the building.
The method of displaying names and numbers is given in council regulations.
Postcodes and Royal Mail's address database
The use of the Royal Mail database by providers of services or goods, to complete their customers' addresses, throws up a number of problems. Often the address being used by the customer is not as shown on the database, and the transaction cannot be completed. The Royal Mail will not alter the details on the database unless it receives clarification from the local authority that the address has been incorrectly assigned.
Although we are not responsible for issuing the postcode (this is the responsibility of Royal Mail), on request we will check our details of a property and advise Royal Mail what their database should show.
Assistance
If you have a query or need help making your application, please contact the street naming and numbering team.
Published: 28 January 2021
Last updated: 10 November 2022