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Submit plansDear Sirs
With regard to registering your new build and new address with the post office. I do not know when to do this.
My house is due to be finished on 4th November, should I apply now registering the address from say Monday 7th November. I am not sure how long this process takes or do people wait until they have actually moved in and then start the process?
Thank you
Karen Humphreys
Hi Karen – a late reply but hopefully one that will help others in the same situation!
The correct process for applying for a new address is to go via your local authority’s Street Naming and Numbering department. Only the local authority has the legislative powers to allocate new property numbers/names (and street names).
The best time to do this is straight after you receive planning permission. Obviously, that ship has sailed in your case, so my advice would be to get your application in as soon as possible!
You’ll need to include copies of:
1. Your site location plan, showing its context within existing streets.
2. The layout of your site with the plot clearly numbered and your home’s main access identified.
3. Some authorities will ask for proof of your planning permission and additional drawings.
4. You may also need geo-referenced drawings if new streets are being requested.
You’ll have to pay a fee as part of your application, and once you’ve submitted there will be a consultative process. In the case of an individual new house on an existing street, that consultation is with Royal Mail and typically takes two to three weeks. You can generally expect to hear back within 4-6 weeks for a straightforward application. If a new street is being created, it will take longer.
The local authority confirms the street number, but Royal Mail allocates the post code.
Once everything’s verified, the new address then gets published in the Local Land and Property Gazetteer. This triggers the process of being added into the requisite official databases, such as the Royal Mail’s address database. So, you shouldn’t actually need to contact Royal Mail directly.
Chris Batesmith (Content Director, Build It)