Residents in Gedling borough could soon have the right to veto any proposed changes to the name of their street,
Under new Government proposals, councils in England will be required to get the green light from locals before pressing ahead.
The Government say the move will allow residents to block attempts to “cancel” local heritage.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said the proposals would strengthen local democracy and protect businesses negatively impacted by unilateral changes.
Businesses can face substantial costs if they have to change their address with banks, shops and utilities.
Some councils recently launched reviews to consider changing offensive street names, such as those linked to slavery, but the new rules could allow residents to block such moves.
Gedling Borough Council carried out a review in 2020 and reviewed a list of all 1,716 street names in the borough to make sure they ‘met the expectations of our multicultural society’.
No names were identified which required further investigation.
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.”
