We rely on addresses every day. Whether it’s registering to vote, ordering something online, visiting a place you’ve never been before or just getting a takeaway delivered, a unique address is essential.
The Council is responsible for issuing addresses to all properties within its boundary. To assist in doing this, the Street Naming Team has a name bank which contain potential names to be used for new developments. We encourage people to suggest potential street names, usually via local Councillors, local community council, neighbourhood networks or by emailing streetnaming@edinburgh.gov.uk
The Street Naming team’s primary consideration when issuing new addresses is public safety as, in an emergency, it is important that a specific address can be identified quickly and easily. For this reason we no longer duplicate street names with different suffixes (such as Eyre Place and Eyre Crescent) due to the potential for confusion.
Generally, street names are selected that commemorate people, places or events connected to the city, with a view to preserving local history and reinforcing our sense of place. Potential names should meet at least one of the following criteria:
- commemorate local history, places, events or culture, and in particular any that relate to the site
- honour and commemorate noteworthy persons associated with the local area, or the City of Edinburgh as a whole
- celebrate cultural diversity in the City of Edinburgh
- commemorate national and international noteworthy persons, who have been deceased for five years or more
- commemorate national and international events
- strengthen neighbourhood identity
- recognise native wildlife, flora, fauna or natural features related to the community or the city as a whole.
Planning Edinburgh 