Postal Numbering and Street Nameplates

Overview

Under the Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions (Northern Ireland) Order 1991, the Council is responsible for:

• Assigning postal numbers to all buildings and houses within the district
• Approving the naming of new roads, streets and developments
• Erecting single-language, dual-language and replacement street nameplates

Applying for Development Naming

Developers or architects should apply in writing to the Council’s Licensing Section for the naming and numbering of:

• Housing developments
• Apartment complexes
• Industrial estates
• Commercial developments

What Developers Must Send

• Proposed name(s) for the street/development (with an alternative if possible)
• Reason(s) for the proposal and how it meets Council criteria
• Site location map and site layout plan (preferably JPEG format)

Send all documents to: [email protected]

Development Naming Criteria

To protect the district’s cultural heritage, all proposed names must:

1. Be expressed in English
2. Reflect a local town land name, geographical feature, or a social/historical reference
3. Not include a person’s name unless it fits the criterion above
4. Only use the same prefix as an existing nearby street if it physically adjoins that street
5. Not sound similar to any existing street/road names in the area
6. Follow a clear ranking such as: Road / Street / Avenue / Drive / View / Lane / Close / Alley

Tip: Send naming proposals as early as possible in the development process

Additional Information for Developers

• Only the approved name may be used for advertising or marketing
• Numbering should follow standard postal rules: odd numbers on the right, even on the left
• Site numbers must not be used as postal numbers
• Small developments (under 20 units) may be numbered consecutively
• Large developments should be numbered in phases
• Any layout changes must be reported to the Council for re-numbering
• Keep a copy of the postal numbering plan in the site office
• Give selling agents a copy of the plan

Updating Royal Mail

Before each dwelling is occupied, developers should tell Royal Mail. This is so addresses can be moved from the “Not Yet Built” file.

Royal Mail can be updated at: http://www.royalmail.com/personal/receiving-mail/update-your-address

Naming of Existing Roads

Residents who wish to change the name of an existing road may apply to the Council to carry out a survey for consent.

• Any new name must follow the same criteria as development naming.
• Renaming or renumbering is normally only considered if at least 50% of residents sign a petition supporting the change.

Numbering New Single-Site Developments

Postal numbering of individual properties forms part of the Building Control process.

Applicants must give:

• Site location map
• Site layout plan

Residents should tell Royal Mail before occupation to avoid postal delivery issues here.

Issue/Confirmation of Postal Addresses

To request a postal address for an agricultural building or to confirm an existing address, apply in writing to the Licensing Section.

Required Information

• Applicant name, address and contact details
• Reason for request
• Site location map
• Site layout plan
• Proof of ownership/utility bill (if applicable)
• Confirmation of planning approval (if applicable)

Third-party requests must include the above documentation and a £35 fee.

Legal Requirement

All buildings must display their correct postal number.
Failure to do so may delay Emergency Services and could lead to legal action and a fine of up to £2,500.

For postcode searches, visit: Royal Mail Postcode Finder

Street Nameplates

The Council erects:

• Single-language nameplates
• Dual-language nameplates
• Replacement nameplates

Townland names are promoted where suitable.

Report a Damaged Nameplate

Email details and location to: [email protected] 

Dual Language Nameplates

In line with the Council’s Bilingualism Policy, Irish can be included alongside English on street nameplates.

How to Request a Dual-Language Nameplate

• Any resident may submit a written request
• Elected Members may also submit a request for residents (must include their names and addresses)
• A simple majority of responding residents must be in favour

If approved, a proposal is sent to the Director of the Economy, Regeneration and Tourism Department for consideration.

More information is available at:

Contact Details

Telephone: 0330 137 4030
Email: [email protected]