Applications for new addresses

The street naming and numbering application should be submitted by the developer or property owner as soon as reasonably possible after construction has commenced. This applies to new build properties as well as new addresses created due to building splits or merges. The application must be accompanied by:

• The fee
• A location plan showing the outline of the site in relation to existing streets and structures, including a north arrow.
• A block plan showing the situation of each property with the main access to each property clearly marked. For developments consisting of more than one property, plot numbers should be included on this plan.
• Internal floor plans for any building which is subdivided, for example a block of flats.
• If the application relates to the naming of properties, at least two proposed names per property.

Application process

West Suffolk Council will review the street naming and numbering application.

If the property requires a number, West Suffolk Council will allocate the property number and inform the applicant before requesting the postal address from Royal Mail.

If the property requires a name, West Suffolk Council will request property naming options from the applicant. Property names will be checked against the naming criteria before being approved or rejected. If the proposed property names are rejected, the applicant will have the opportunity to provide additional suggestions.

Once the property name or number has been agreed, West Suffolk Council will request the postal address from Royal Mail. Royal Mail are responsible for allocating postcodes and West Suffolk Council do not have any control over the postcode issued by Royal Mail.

If construction of the property is complete, West Suffolk Council will request that the address is added to Royal Mail's postcode address file. If the property is under construction, West Suffolk Council will request that the address is added to Royal Mail’s Not Yet Built file. The applicant will be advised to contact West Suffolk Council once the property is ready for occupation, at which point West Suffolk Council will request that the address is added to Royal Mail’s Postcode Address File.

Once the postcodes have been received from Royal Mail, West Suffolk Council will add the addresses to their database and provide the applicant with a confirmation that the addresses have been registered. Property names or numbers should be clearly displayed as soon as possible once this confirmation has been sent to the applicant. A plot to postal schedule will be issued for developments where the plot numbers differ from the postal numbers.