Decision details

Summary

The Housing Portfolio Holder presented the report which recommended for the Council to have an updated and fit for purpose Street Naming and Numbering (SNN) Policy which will give clear guidance to housing developers, Town and Parish Councils, and to private residents on the national and local requirements for the naming of streets and private properties. This would ensure compliance with relevant legislation, guidance and recommendations as stated.

The policy has been designed to produce regulations about putting signs up to name public streets, and to ensure names and numbers of buildings are displayed properly. This will drive the creation of logical and consistent addresses and ensure that properties can be located quickly in all situations. The intention is to provide a clear and concise framework for making decisions against and to promote transparency in the decision making process. It was confirmed that the Council already has the resources in place to provide the Street Naming and Numbering function.

Councillor Roger Bingham (Shadow Cabinet (Economy, Culture and Leisure Portfolio) expressed strong agreement for a robust policy on this area. He raised local issues regarding examples of repetitive street naming and provided examples which were felt to be lacking. Street naming he maintained needs to be informative, prevent confusion and reflect a real local connection to the area.

Decision

RESOLVED – That:-

(1)        having considered the consultation responses attached at Appendix 2;  the draft street naming and numbering guidance and policy attached at Appendix 1 be adopted ;and

(2)        authority be delegated to the Director of Customer andCommercial Services to implement the policy on behalf of theCouncil

Reasons for Decision

The adoption of the Street Naming and Numbering policy is essential to the delivery of an effective Street Naming and Numbering service and as such will allow the Council to discharge its statutory duties efficiently and effectively; positively impacting all Council Plan priorities.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

The Council could continue to use the national legislation and good practice guidance to guide its decision making.  However this would not be in line with good practice and would not provide a clear and transparent decision making process for users of the service.