In a bid to streamline its approach to street naming and numbering, Ashfield District Council is set to approve updates to its current policy, first introduced in 2020.
The revised policy will be presented at the Cabinet meeting on 16th September 2024, seeking to bring the district’s street naming procedures in line with national guidance and the new Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 (LURA).
The council says it believes the changes will ensure a consistent, logical, and legally compliant approach to naming and numbering properties across the district, from residential buildings to large commercial developments.
The Need for an Update
The initial policy, which took effect in 2020, was due for its mandatory three-year review in 2023. However, the finalisation of the revisions was delayed to accommodate changes brought in by the LURA, which has implications for street naming procedures across the country. The council’s report emphasised that consistent naming not only supports easier identification of properties by residents and local authorities but is also crucial for the delivery of services and emergency response times.
Key Legislative Changes
The primary legislative framework underpinning Ashfield’s street naming policies includes Section 64 of the Town Improvement Clauses Act 1847 and Section 17-19 of the Public Health Act 1925. However, significant amendments have been introduced with the adoption of Section 81 of LURA. This section empowers local authorities to alter street names, provided they have the necessary support from the community, replacing the older provision that required two-thirds consent from ratepayers under Section 21 of the Public Health Acts Amendment Act 1907, which has now been nullified.
Incorporating the new LURA guidelines, the revised policy stipulates that street name alterations require a positive response from two-thirds of land or property owners, a move the council believes will clarify expectations and prevent unnecessary name changes.
Removing Obsolete References and Aligning with Best Practices
Another notable change is the removal of certain outdated sections, such as the specific reference to charges for street naming, which will now be accessed via the council’s website. This move is intended to make the policy more adaptable, reducing the need for frequent updates.
Additionally, the revised policy is aligned with the GeoPlace Data Entry Conventions and Best Practice for Addresses. It also includes amendments to ensure the use of “natural numbers” rather than fractions, reflecting the council’s intention to reject unconventional numbering practices like the use of zero in property addresses.
Minimal Financial Impact and Broader Benefits
The report assures that there are no direct financial implications of approving the updated policy. There will be no changes to the General Fund or Housing Revenue Accounts, and the policy is expected to provide clarity that will mitigate risks associated with disputes over street naming decisions.
Furthermore, the council highlights that the policy supports Ashfield’s Corporate Plan, promoting the district’s heritage and geography while celebrating its people of significance through carefully considered street names.
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