The correct addressing of a property is very important. The emergency services, the Royal Mail and satellite navigation systems all need a way of finding properties.

Street naming process

We consider street naming to be a matter of local community interest, we encourage the local town and parish councils to be involved in picking street names to be used. This whole process is in keeping with national legislation and our street naming and numbering policy.

Key stages in the street naming process

  • Developers can make suggestions on street name/s
  • Preference will be given for names that reference local history and heritage
  • We do not permit the use of development marketing names as street names
  • We will consult with the local council. They have the chance to accept the proposed name or suggest one of their own
  • Developers can also contact the local council handling the choice of street name
  • We forward the proposed names to the Royal Mail for consultation. This ensures that the name is not already being used or is likely to cause confusion with an existing address.
  • We then confirm the official name of the road to the developers.

Information for builders and developers

If you have received planning permission to build a house, an estate or to convert an existing property - you must contact the Street Naming and Numbering Officer before starting any building work.

Please take a look at the information below. It will tell you about fees, numbering and house naming.

Please note:

  • If you are developing a site that will have a new road(s), you are welcome to provide us with your name suggestions. They will be considered in consultation with the local town or parish council
  • Once all the plots have been addressed, you will be supplied with the full postal addresses in writing, along with a list of plot numbers and their corresponding property numbers
  • If you are building on an existing street, the properties will be addressed into the existing numbering system. Where there is no suitable gap in existing numbering, letters will be added to the numbers., e.g. 23A

Street nameplates for new developments

It is the responsibility of the developer to supply and install street nameplates on a new development. Please see our street nameplate specification which explains what you need to do. If you require further advice, please contact us using the details at the bottom of the page.

 

Adding or changing a property name

If you would like to add a house name to your address or change an existing name you can:

Apply to add or change a property name online

Can I choose any name I like?
Yes.

Unless it:

  • Is already in use
  • May cause offence

Please note:

  • We can only change the name of properties within the Mid Sussex District Council administrative area
  • The fee to add or change a property name is £30 
  • The new name must be used in addition to the number - not instead of it. Always use your house number
  • Not all websites will display your house name
  • You must make sure that the name and house number is clearly displayed and visible from the road

Apply by post

If you would prefer to apply by post, print out and fill in the Adding or changing a property name form. Please note that payment is only accepted by cheque for postal applications.

Broken or missing street nameplates

Have you seen a broken or missing street nameplate?

Mid Sussex District Council has delegated the responsibility for repair and maintenance of street nameplates to the three town councils of Mid Sussex. They carry out any maintenance work on our behalf for all of the parishes within Mid Sussex.

Burgess Hill Town Council

Tel: 01444-247726 
Email: helppoint@burgesshill.gov.uk
Website: www.burgesshill.gov.uk/

For areas:

  • Albourne
  • Burgess Hill
  • Cuckfield
  • Fulking
  • Hassocks (including Clayton)
  • Hurstpierpoint & Sayers Common
  • Newtimber
  • Poynings
  • Pyecombe
  • Twineham (including Hickstead)
East Grinstead Town Council

Tel: 01342-323636
Email: towncouncil@eastgrinstead.gov.uk
Website: www.eastgrinstead.gov.uk

For areas:

  • Ashurst Wood
  • East Grinstead
  • Turners Hill
  • West Hoathly (including Sharpthorne and Highbrook)
  • Worth (including Copthorne and Crawley Down)
Haywards Heath Town Council

Tel: 01444-455694
Email: townclerk@haywardsheath.gov.uk
Website: www.haywardsheath.gov.uk

For areas:

  • Ansty & Staplefield
  • Ardingly
  • Balcombe
  • Bolney
  • Haywards Heath
  • Lindfield
  • Lindfield Rural (including Scaynes Hill)
  • Horsted Keynes (including Birchgrove)
  • Slaugham (including Handcross, Pease Pottage and Warninglid)

Contact us

Street Naming and Numbering Officer
Tel: 01444-477175
Email: addressqueries@midsussex.gov.uk

Last updated: 27 February 2024