Street Naming and Numbering Policy and Procedure

5.1 Street naming is subject to the following criteria:

• new street names should avoid duplicating any similar names already in use within Stockton-on-Tees Borough. A variation in the suffix, for example Drive, Avenue or Close will not be accepted as sufficient reason to duplicate a street name
• names for consideration need to be sufficiently unique so as to avoid confusion of misunderstanding
• where possible street names should reflect the historical or geographical significance of the area. Names with a common theme are preferable on large developments
• naming of street after living individuals will be considered. The request must relate to an individual that has made an outstanding contribution to society or is of historical significance to the local area. Where the request relates to a living individual, the decision will be referred to the Director of Community Services and Transport and the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport in consultation with Full Council
• naming of streets after individuals posthumously will be allowed. However, requests will only be considered once the applicant has obtained approval from the named person's family or estate administrators
• street names must not contain numeric characters
• street names that construe marketing or that promote a company, service or product are not acceptable
• street names should not be capable of being twisted into obscene meanings and must not cause offence
• all punctuation, including apostrophes, shall be avoided. For example, St John's Way will be officially recorded as St Johns Way
• a parcel of land, such as a farmer's field, cannot be given an official address. Only properties with the relevant planning consents on that parcel of land can have a conventional address, enabling mail delivery and services

5.2 New street names will not be assigned to new developments when said developments can be included within the current numbering scheme of the street providing the main point access.

5.3 The manipulation of this naming criteria in order to secure a, perceived, more prestigious address will not be accepted by the Council.

5.4 In the event of a developer not agreeing with the suggested street names for a development the final decision will be referred to the Director of Community Services and Transport, for determination, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport.