Street naming and numbering is essential to provide an efficient means of locating and referencing properties for postal and emergency services and the general public. We are responsible for this service in Bedford Borough and are the only organisation that can create or change addresses within our boundaries.  

All applications form and payments for this service must be submitted electronically. We are unable to accept postal applications.

Who can apply?

• Individuals or developers building new houses, apartments, commercial or industrial premises.
• Individuals or developers undertaking conversions of residential, commercial or industrial premises which will result in the creation of new properties or premises.
• Any person wishing to change their existing address.

Fees from 1 January 2024

• Residential properties - change/add a name to a single existing residential address - £77.30 (allocated existing postal numbers cannot be removed).
• Commercial properties - change/add a name to a single existing commercial property - £126.55 (allocated existing postal numbers cannot be removed).
• New build conversion/division of existing single plot - obtain a new address for a single new build/conversion - £172.60.
• New developments - First property on the site £172.60. Each additional house/flat £61.65.

What you need before you apply

You can only apply if you have planning permission consent for new builds and developments. You need a planning permission consent reference number to hand. You will be able to find this on your planning consent and it will be displayed in this format: 12/34567/A5BC. 

How to apply

Please complete the street naming and numbering application form (PDF) and return it to StreetNumbering@bedford.gov.uk. Please ensure all you submit all the required documentation with the application form.

Street naming and numbering guidance  

The purpose of managing street and building names and numbers is to ensure that the address of each property in the borough is unique, unambiguous and logical.

This will help the correct delivery of mail enabling visitors, to quickly locate the address they seek. This is particularly important for emergency health and fire services where any delay caused by confusion over the address could put lives at risk. 

If you are an owner or developer

Proposals to name or rename a new or existing building or access-way should be submitted to the Council for approval at least 10 weeks before the premises are due to be occupied. This is to allow for any necessary consultation with the Post Office and emergency services.

Approval of proposals is not automatic and the Council may require alternative names or changes to proposed numbering to ensure compliance with policy guidelines. If you wish to use your proposals to market the development, please ensure that purchasers are aware of the approved address before completion. The marketing name or numbers should not be included in any permanent signage or official documentation.

If the proposal complies with this guidance and there are no objections from any organisations consulted, the new address will be formally assigned and all relevant bodies notified.

Contact Street Naming and Numbering team

Email: StreetNumbering@bedford.gov.uk

Street Naming and Numbering Team
Borough Hall
Cauldwell Street
Bedford
MK42 9AP