UK house numbering generally numbers away from the town centre. 1 is always on the left. Applies to most places I know. For twisty roads, it's the starting point that matters. I suspect this breaks in London, Manchester etc where the towns they were centred on have merged into one urban sprawl.

Cul-de-sacs number clockwise consecutively rather than following one side odd, other even.

Some of the strange situations where it breaks stem from WW2 bomb damage breaking a road in two, or removing a dozen houses etc.

Most councils do regulate street names and numbering, and they seem broadly in agreement. No idea of legislation or origin of the convention, but seems nationwide.

Example - chosen as it was one of the longer ones search popped up: https://www.swale.gov.uk/street-naming-policy/