Councils will be required to get approval from local residents to change street names under new proposals announced today.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has proposed changes to the way councils should engage with local communities on changes to the name of a given street.
It said the current system relies on three Acts from the early 20th century that has created an 'inconsistent and unclear' procedure for changing street names.
The suggestion is to modernise and replace these Acts with a single clear requirement for a residents’ vote on any changes to street names based on the principles set out in 1907 legislation.
Housing minister, Stuart Andrew, said: 'Up and down the country, street names often form a key part of an area’s history, cherished by the local community for the memories they hold and the places they represent.
'These proposals will strengthen local democracy by ensuring that councils in England get agreement from local residents in advance of any street name changes.'
