The decision allows for the policy to be unambiguous. The Cabinet will not ordinarily be involved when there are issues relating to a street name that is causing difficulties for the emergency services.

The Council’s refreshed Street Naming and Numbering Policy was adopted by the Cabinet at its meeting on 11 November 2020, subject to a change in para 12.1. That paragraph will now read:

“Streets will only be renamed under exceptional circumstances, such as when there are potential problems for the emergency services in identifying and locating an address, or there is substantial evidence (including from residents in the street) that the current name is no longer deemed suitable. Having considered the particular circumstances if, in the opinion of the Head of Law and Governance having consulted with the relevant portfolio holder, it is necessary to rename any street in such exceptional circumstances, this will proceed as specified in the Oxfordshire Act 1985, Section 13(2) a-c. In the event of there being a balance of judgments other than relating to potential problems for the emergency services to be made or unresolved objections following consultation about possible names (other than those relating to potential problems for the emergency services) the Cabinet will take the decision, following a written report to it from the relevant portfolio holder.”

To provide clarity in the Street Naming and Numbering Policy.

None.

Anita Bradley, Head of Law & Governance.

Decision made in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Customer Focused Services.