Street naming and property numbering
We manage the official naming and numbering of streets and properties in Norwich.
This includes:
- naming new streets
- assigning numbers to new properties
- renumbering existing properties
- renaming streets
- informing Royal Mail so they can assign postcodes
- updating emergency services with new or changed addresses.
Contact us: For all enquiries, email kaybaxter@norwich.gov.uk
New developments and property splits
If you're building new properties or splitting an existing one (e.g. into flats), you must contact us to get official addresses.
Only the council can assign these.
Why it matters:
- ensures utility services can be connected
- helps avoid confusion in databases and deliveries
- keeps emergency services informed
- we’ll follow existing street numbering patterns and add suffixes (like 1A, 1B) if needed.
Before you start building, email kaybaxter@norwich.gov.uk with:
- your planning application reference
- approved site layout
- any suggested street names.
Street naming guidelines
Street names must follow certain rules.
When naming a street after a person, they must have:
- already passed away
- a strong local connection
We cannot accept names that:
- refer to people who are still alive
- include the name of a developer or company
- are the same as, or too similar to, existing street names
Once an address is approved:
- we send it to Royal Mail for postcode assignment
- It may take time for the address to appear on sat navs, Google, and other systems
- we also notify emergency services and other public bodies.
Renaming or adding a property name
You can:
- add a name to a numbered property (but the number remains the official part of the address)
- rename a property without a number (a number will be added first)
Avoid names that are too similar to nearby properties to prevent confusion.
If you’re not the property owner, we’ll need written permission from them.
Disputes and legal authority
We have the legal authority to:
- approve all new street names and changes
- assign property numbers
- ensure names are appropriate and consistent.
