Many of the questions we get asked are not really Council matters but we will try to help and advise you as best we can.
‘What is my correct official postal address?’
We will check our records, which should show the correct address. We can also check with Council Tax, Elections and the Royal Mail.
‘What is the correct postcode of my property?’
The Royal Mail is best placed to answer such questions although we will reasonable assistance. Please contact the Royal Mail Postcode Enquiry line on 08457 111222.
‘What is the correct spelling of a road name?’
If the road was built after 1974 when the South Hams District was created, our records should show the correct spelling of the road anme. If not, a cross check of our internal records can be made. If there is any doubt then the Parish/Town Council may be able to advise.
‘Can I change the number of my house?’
You cannot do this unilaterally if the existing number forms part of a sequence; it is only permissible as part of an overall re-numbering scheme.
‘I have built a new, completely separate property what should its address be?’
If no numbers currently exist in the street you will need to give the property a name, pleaseensure that there is not another property with the same name in the vicinity of your new property. We can make a check with the Royal Mail Address Development Team, simply to avoid duplication of names within the same postal district.
If the street has an existing numbering scheme and the property is built next to say No. 23 High Street, then the property will be allocated No. 23A. However if number 23 is the last of the existing properties, or a gap exists in the existing numbering sequence, then one of the unused numbers might be employed as long as a logical sequence is maintained.
Please complete the New Development form to register an official postal address.
For our Street Naming Policy outlining our street naming guidelines, click on this link.
‘Can I change the name of my house?’
Yes, you can please see the Change of House Name page for more information.
A property in my road is using the same number as my own! Which is correct?’
If this involves one of the Council’s numbering schemes then we should easily be able to find the correct number for each property. If it is not we can check our internal records. Some of the sources are unfortunately not definitive. ‘Claimants’ to the number might have to provide documentary evidence from their deeds. Plymouth District Land Registry may be able to help.
Plymouth District Land Registry
Plumer House
Tailyour Road
Crownhill
PLYMOUTH
Devon
PL6 5HY
DX 8299
Plymouth 4
Telephone number:- 01752 636123
‘A property in the same area as my own is using the same name as my house - I was first!’
This can only be resolved by negotiation between the parties involved. When you have resolved the problem, let us know and we’ill make the necessary alterations.
‘I keep getting the wrong post!’ or ‘My post is not being delivered!’
This is not a council matter but a matter to be sorted out by the Royal Mail and the local delivery office.
Please contact the Royal Mail
Royal Mail
Address Development Team
Admiral House, 2 Admiral Way
Doxford International Business Park
SUNDERLAND
SR3 3XW
Contact Telephone Number: 08456 04 50 60
Fax Number: 08456 05 44 33
Post Code Enquiry Line: 08457 111 222
Customer Services: 0845 7740 740
Website: Royal Mail
If you have a problem contact us and we will do our best to help you.
'Do you register land ownership?' or 'Can you tell us who is the owner of a plot of land?'
No, this Department holds no information regarding land ownership. However Property Services are able to tell whether a piece of land is within South Hams District Councils own land ownership. Contact (01803) 861234.
Local knowledge is often the only way of finding out ownership, although you may find further information from:-
Plymouth District Land Registry,
Plumer House
Tailyour Road
Crownhill
PLYMOUTH
Devon
PL6 5HY
DX 8299
Plymouth 4
Telephone number:- 01752 636123
'Can you tell me where the boundaries of my property are?'
No, we hold no information regarding boundaries. They are complex subjects in themselves. The starting place for this information is the deeds of your property. Speak with your solicitor or you may need to employ the services of a qualified surveyor.
How much does it cost to change the name of my house?
New charges were introduced on 1 April 2010 as follows:-
(1) If you wish to change the name of your house, a charge of £21.00 per property. Please complete the Change of House Name form;
(2) If you wish to change the number of your house, then please contact the Street Naming and
Numbering Officer for advice;
(3) If you wish to change the street name, a charge of £37.00 per property will be levied.
All occupants of the street must be in agreement to the change. Please complete the Change of Street Name form;
(4) If you are making a new development, a charge of £36.00 per new property. Please complete the New Development form.
These charges are to be reviewed annually.
