4.1.1
Each SNN Authority has a statutory power to ensure that all Streets are named and properties numbered. This should be in accordance with the SNN Authority’s approved policy. For an example corporate policy, see Appendix F. The SNN Authority can approve or reject property numbers and Street Names which are submitted by developers or owners, under the powers and guidance listed below and detailed in Appendix E:
- Towns Improvement Clauses Act 1847 (sections 64 and 65) (for numbering of properties and Street naming).
- Section 21 of the Public Health Act Amendment Act 1907 (for alteration of names of Streets).
- Public Health Act 1925 (sections 17 to 19) (for notification of Street Names and name plates).
- Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013.
- Royal Mail’s right under licence to maintain the Postcode Address File (PAF) Section 116 of the Postal Services Act 2000.
- A local Act, for example the Humberside Act 1982 or the London Building Acts (Amendment) Act 1939 (Part 2).
- PAF® Code of Practice, Changing Postal Addresses and Postcodes, May 2010.
- Department of Transport Circular Roads 3/93 dated 15th December 1973.
4.1.2
Unless a local Act endures, each SNN Authority should refer to the Local Government Act 1972 section 5 schedule 14 paragraphs 24 and 25 to decide which Act to use depending on the circumstances. For further information see www.legislation.gov.uk.
4.1.3
All types of developments should be subject to the formal SNN process even if the statute which the SNN Authority adopts does not mention a particular type of property, for example internal numbering of a sub divided building. This helps achieve consistent Street and LPI Records in GeoHub. This applies to all residential, commercial and industrial properties.
4.1.4
Maintaining a comprehensive and high standard for naming Streets and numbering or naming of properties is essential as it facilitates:
- Consistency of property based information across local government and within the user community. An example of this in practice is Individual Electoral Registration (IER). For further information, see Appendix M.
- Emergency services finding a property.
- Reliable delivery of services and products.
- Visitors finding where they want to go.