This Week in Astor // 25 May–31 May 2026
We've recorded substantial application flow this week, with a significant spike in Article 4 designations across south London. Westminster continues to dominate our records, but the breadth of activity—spanning 31 boroughs—reflects sustained momentum in the planning pipeline.
In short
We logged 1,169 new planning applications this week across 31 boroughs, led by Westminster's 170 filings. Article 4 designations spiked at 108, concentrated in Bromley conservation areas and special residential character zones. Our rolling 12-month count now stands at 10,709 applications and 49,768 property sales across the network.
We saw 1,169 new applications logged across the network this week, spread across 31 boroughs in our records. Westminster led with 170 filings, followed by Leeds (105), Enfield (86), Barnet (81), and Brent (78). Activity at this scale suggests continued developer and landlord activity, though no applications have yet moved to decision stage.
We logged 108 Article 4 directions this week, with the majority concentrated in Bromley. Designations cover conservation areas and special residential character zones across Beckenham—Barnmead Road Conservation Area and Beckenham Place Park among them—materially restricting permitted development rights in those zones. This represents a notable tightening of planning freedom in the south London authority.
Our May 2026 running total shows 10,709 applications received in the rolling 12 months to date, alongside 49,768 property sales logged. The sales data underscores the volume of market activity we're tracking across the London portals we automate.
Past weeks
