Applying for new postal addresses
New developments or the conversion of existing premises may result in the need for new postal addresses.
It is important to apply for a postal address as early as possible, ideally, as soon as planning permission has been granted. Utility companies may be reluctant to connect services to properties that do not have official postal addresses, and it may be important to secure addresses for marketing and sales purposes. Obtaining a new postal address may involve naming new roads. This can take time to agree and can cause problems with sales if the process is not begun early enough.
Local authorities have statutory responsibility for naming streets and numbering properties. Applications are generally made to the Local Land and Property Gazetteer (LLPG) team or the Street Naming and Numbering (SNN) team.
A postal address may be applied for by individuals or developers by completing an application form (or sometimes by writing a letter or emailing the local authority) and may need to be accompanied by a drawing showing the extent of the premises, and relevant planning permissions. A fee is chargeable for applications.
The local authority will check there are no similar addresses within the same post code or in a neighbouring area and will consult with the Highways department.
If the application is approved, an approval notice will be sent to the applicant confirming the addresses, with a drawing show any agreed new streets and property numbers. Details will also be issued by the local authority to the emergency services, statutory authorities and the Royal Mail, who are responsible for allocating postcodes.
New addresses are allocated in accordance with British Standard 7666 and are compiled and recorded by the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG).
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Developer.
- Planning permission.
- Site appraisal.
- Site information.
- Site selection and acquisition for construction.
- Site surveys.
- Technical due diligence.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Read about Belgrade's Brutalist landmark - the Western City Gate.
Clean indoor air for healthy living
Read about the measures that can be taken by individuals to protect and minimise exposure to outdoor sourced air pollution.
Government announces leaseholds on new-build houses will be banned.
Transport Secretary announces public consultation into London's funding of Crossrail 2.
Architecture of concert stages
Have a look at some of the most impressive concert stage designs of all time, including Pink Floyd, U2, Rolling Stones, and more...
What is the Home Quality Mark? Find out how it can help you when buying/renting a new home.
Business Secretary launches £246m Faraday Challenge to establish UK as world leader in battery technology.
Government announces new plans for regulations to improve safety and security awareness of drone users.
Read our introductory article to the various different types of fuel.
IHBC book review: Charles Barry’s monumental struggle to rebuild the Houses of Parliament.
Read about RSHP's British Museum extension which has been shortlisted for the 2017 Stirling Prize.
More updates from DCMS about the large-scale testing of cladding systems and the number of buildings affected.
Grenfell Tower articles updated daily
