Street Naming and Numbering
Introduction
Dartford is the street naming and numbering authority for the administrative area of Dartford. The service provides the definitive source of address information within the borough and supplies new property and street names.
This function is carried out in accordance with the Public Health Act of 1925 which states that the local authority is allowed to name or rename any road.
Contact Details – General Enquires
Telephone: 01322
343425
Fax Number: 01322
343252
Street Naming and Numbering
Property Information
Dartford Civic Centre
Home Gardens
Dartford
Kent DA1 1DR
Information for Developers
It is advised that you apply for new street names as soon as you submit your planning application for a new development.
The process can take a significant amount of time due to the number of organizations we need to consult with.
It would be also helpful if you could supply a digital copy of your proposed plans ether as an image file, AutoCAD drawing, or in a common GIS format.
Postcode Allocation
When a new street has been named the Council informs the Postcode Centre who will allocate the new postcode.
They will not issue a postcode for a new street unless requested to do so by the local authority.
Councils are the definitive source of addresses and the Post Office do not have the ability to change or alter your official address.
It is not Dartford Borough Councils responsibility to issue new postcodes or change current postcodes.
For further enquires regarding postcodes you can contact their postcode enquiry line on 08457 111 222 or visit their website at www.royalmail.com/portal/rm.
For enquires regarding missed collections or delivery problems you can telephone the Royal mail's customer helpline on 0845 7740 740.
Commercial businesses which require a new postcode for business purposes (e.g. increased volume of mail) should contact the post office direct to discuss their requirements.
Re-naming your house
Residents who wish to name their property, or change its name, should put their request in writing to the above address including the name of your current property and your proposed new name.
If the name is unsuitable for any reason we will contact you regarding your enquiry and request alternative options.
When we have received confirmation from the Post Office we will send you a letter confirming your new address which you should keep with your house documents for future reference. Please note that you must continue to use the house number in all correspondence.
It is the responsibility of the occupier to inform other contacts (such as Utilities, Insurance, and Telephone) of your new property name.
Small Developments not requiring a new Street name
The procedure is the same as re-naming one property. Any development name (e.g. Tudor Court) must also be submitted for approval by the council.
Key Stages of the Street Naming Process
- The developer proposes a number of street names in consultation with the local authority.
- The names are circulated to internal and external contacts. These include internal departments, local ward members, local parish council, royal mail, emergency services and the county council. Any objections to the names are taken into account and the proposed list of names is amended.
- The list of proposed names is sent to cabinet and approved by the council members. If there are any objections to the street names, the process of consultation starts again.
- Once it has been approved a post code is requested from the Post Office for the new properties and all interested parties will receive a confirmation letter.
It is important that the developer discusses the street names early in the planning process as this process will take a minimum of 2-3 months.
If the developer has not applied for Street naming and numbering before building the properties, it could mean that any new residents will not be able to access a postcode.
Suggesting a New Street Name
If you would like to suggest a street name for a particular area we would always be glad to hear local suggestions which have an historic link to the area.
Please write to the above address; it is important that you attach some supporting evidence with the letter explaining why the proposed name has a connection to the area.
Although we can't guarantee that the name will be chosen, the details will be kept on file until a suitable road scheme or development is proposed in that area.
Suggestions for changing currently named streets will not be acknowledged.
National Land & Property Gazetteer
The local authority maintains the Local Land and Property Gazetteer. This is the definitive source of address information within the council and forms a part of the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG).
The NLPG is a national project which aims to create a single property database of every single parcel of land or property within the country.
The property information team has spent two years developing a corporate database which has included information from all council departments on land and property.
This is a key development in providing on-line services to citizens and helping to improve customer service.
Street Name Plates
If your Street name Plate is missing, damaged or has been vandalised, please contact the
Street Scenes Officer on 01322 343827.
