The council has a statutory duty to provide every property in our area with an individual, authoritative address.
This function is carried out under the provisions of the Towns Improvement Clauses Act 1847 (1847 Act) Section 64 and 65 and the Public Health Act 1875, Public Health Acts Amendment Act 1907, Section 17, 18 and 19 Public Health Act 1925, Section 81 Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (2023 Act) – this act replaces a power to rename a street under the 1907 Act or Section 18 1925 Act.
When to apply
New properties
First, check whether your address is already registered with us at findmyaddress.co.uk
For any new build or conversion of a property or building, you must apply to us for address allocation once you receive planning approval, or at least 6 months before you intend to start work or will need utilities connections.
As part of the process we will contact Royal Mail. They will allocate the postcode to the approved address. Please be aware that utility companies will not install services without an official address and postcode and need proof from this department.
Street naming
If your request involves the naming of new streets, this process may take up to 3 months to complete. Contact us at least 6 months before the addresses are needed for utilities connections. Our street naming and numbering policy below sets out the process.
How to apply
For all applications, you first need to read our street naming and numbering guidance policy (PDF , 635KB). If you would like to request this guidance, or any of the forms below, in an alternative format, please use the contact details for your local area at the bottom of the page.
New builds, property conversions or new street names
Download and complete the street name and number form (DOCX , 67KB)
Please return the form via email:
Barrow and Eden
Email: snn2@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
South Lakes
Email: snn3@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
There is no charge for the addressing of new streets, new properties, or conversions of properties that do not have an address.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Alterations in either street name, property numbers or plot to postal numbers to new developments after initial street naming and numbering has been undertaken and confirmed to the developer | £181 and then £25 per property |
| Confirmation of postal address | £40 |
New addresses for merged or divided properties
Download and complete the property merge form (DOCX , 72KB) or property division form (DOCX , 72KB) and return it with the correct fee (see below) to us via email.
Change a property's name
Download and complete the change a property name form (DOCX , 68KB) and return it with the correct fee (see below) to us via email.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Change of house name | £101 |
| Change of building name (for example, a block of flats) | £101 and then £21 per property |
| Change of street name (residents' request) | £313 and then £59 per property |
| Street numbering (residents' request - where no numbering system exists) | £313 and then £59 per property |
| Sub-division of existing property into multiple properties or merge of existing properties into a single property | £101 and then £21 per property |
| Removal of address following demolition of property where no replacement building is to be built (per property - In addition to application fee) | £65 and then £25 per property |
| Removal of address following demolition of property where a replacement building is to be built on the land but not on the same footprint. (where a property is demolished and re-built on the same footprint, the existing name/number will be retained) (Application Fee) | £65 and then £25 per property |
Displaying property names or numbers
The council must approve all property names and numbers displayed. Only names and numbers allocated by the council should be displayed on your property.
Displaying property names and numbers helps identify and locate the correct property. Please position the sign to make sure it is visible from the roadside. There should be no fences, trees or parked vehicles blocking the view of the sign.
This saves vital time for those who wish to find your property, including:
- the emergency services
- tradespeople
- delivery couriers
Where you have a property number and name (a historic practise) you must display both.
If we notice a name or number that is not correctly displayed, we'll ask you to rectify this.
Contact us
Eden and Barrow
Telephone: 0300 373 3300
Email: snn2@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
South Lakeland
Telephone: 01539 793 556
Email: snn3@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk