We are the street naming and numbering authority for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole under the Public Health Act 1925 (various sections) and the Towns Improvement Clauses Act 1847.

A new development should always have a house number and street name. We maintain and register street names and postal numbers.

Changing the name of a street

In certain circumstances, we can change a street name but only if all residents agree. We consult the emergency services, Royal Mail, ward councillors and the general public before making a decision. We need at least a two-thirds majority to make the change.

Street nameplates

When a road is built, it is the developer’s responsibility as part of a new development to arrange for a street nameplate to be installed to the appropriate specification.

We take over responsibility for nameplate maintenance once the street has been adopted by us.

Request a postcode

The Royal Mail issues postcodes, but they cannot allocate a postcode without official notification from us first.

You can change the name of your property, however you must be aware that:

• only the owner of the property can ask to change their house name
• you must make sure no property in the same area has a similar name
• we cannot change a house name while a property is being purchased, only once contracts have been exchanged
• house names do not replace house numbers