According to our latest Construction Industry Monthly Snapshot, the residential sector remained the primary driver of planning approvals in March 2026, reaching a total value of £4.6bn. London accounted for a significant share of this activity, representing 26% of all residential approvals and totalling a huge £1.2bn.
This marks a massive increase from February 2026, when London residential approvals totalled just £467m, representing a 157% month-on-month rise. It also reflects a year-on-year uplift of 9% compared to March 2025, which saw £1.1bn in approvals. Together, this highlights a strong resurgence in high-value schemes across London, driven by large-scale regeneration projects, purpose-built student accommodation, and mixed-use developments.
To showcase the schemes behind this growth, we’ve identified the top seven residential projects granted planning approval in London during March, ranked by value.
*The Monthly Snapshot is an online report updated on a monthly basis. If you are viewing this blog after April 2026 the report will have been updated.
The Top 5 Residential Plans Approved in London March 2026
To showcase the schemes behind this growth, we’ve identified the top seven residential projects granted planning approval in London during March 2026, ranked by value.
Project details, role and contact information, timelines, and more can be accessed within our Construction Projects Leads Platform.
£200m Over Station Development Southwark Gets Planning Approval
Located on Blackfriars Road in Southwark, the £200m redevelopment consists of a 15-storey purpose built 429 student accommodation building above and around the underground station. It will also include a 9-storey residential building to accommodate affordable housing with community use on the ground floor.
The project is confirmed to start work in Q4 2026, and finish in Q3 2029.
More project information:
Project ID: 12157569
Planning Stage: Plans approved
Clients: Helical Plc, Transport for London, Platinum Southwark Limited
Planners: Rapleys Llp, Deloitte Real Estate
Architect: Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
Quantity Surveyor: Gardiner & Theobald Limited
Contractor: Mace Limited
Achilles Estate, New Cross Road, Phase 1-3 - 278 Flats & Shops
Due to begin in July 2027, the £125m Achilles Street estate in New Cross project will consist of five buildings to provide mixed-use development including 278 flats, flexible-use commercial floorspace with public realm works, landscaping, and parking. According to the Lewisham Council website, 60% of the flats will be affordable housing.
Councillor James-J Walsh has commented on the need for the development:
“At a time when the housing crisis continues to price people out of our city, Achilles shows what is possible when we lead with our values. We are delivering 60% affordable homes, new public spaces and better links across our community while creating jobs and opportunities for local people.”
More project information:
Project ID: 12869307
Planning Stage: Plans approved
Client: London Borough of Lewisham
Planner: DP9 Limited
Architect: Levitt Bernstein Associates
Quantity Surveyor: Silver Development & Construction Group
Civil Engineer: Price & Myers
Planning Approval for £100m Loman Street - 600 Bed Student Accommodation
The £100m Loman Street student accommodation has received planning approval. The project consists of the erection of 71 100% social rent flats and 600 student rooms in Southwark, London. The new residential project will require demolition of London’s former Blackfriars Crown Court before building the new 9-storey structure. Due to begin in July 2027, the project is estimated to take 43 months to complete with a projected finish date of February 2031.
More project information:
Project ID: 12483518
Planning Stage: Plans approved
Client: IQ Student Accommodation
Planner: Turley Associates
Architect: Howells
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer: Applied Energy
Civil Engineer: Meinhardt
£80.5m Blenheim Shopping Centre Redevelopment
The Blenheim Shopping Centre Redevelopment project consists of the construction of up to 250 homes with 2,828sqm of commercial space across from four buildings. The buildings will range from 3-18 storeys with associated landscaping, public open space, infrastructure, and parking. Our in-house project researchers have confirmed that construction will begin in Q4 2026.
More project information:
Project ID: 12690508
Planning Stage: Plans approved
Client: Clarion Housing Group
Planner: Rolfe Judd Limited
Architect: Feilden Clegg Bradley Architects
Demolition contractor: Greater London Demolition Limited
Structural Engineer: Iesis Group
£75m Bow Common Gasworks Phase 3 Receives Planning Approval
Phase 3 parcel 1 of the Bow Common Gasworks comprises 364 flats in 2 blocks, with flexible commercial space on lower floors and public open space. When completed, it will provide nearly 2,500sq m of public space including a new amphitheatre pavilion which aims to create a new gathering place for locals and an outdoor performance space. This project is confirmed to begin December 2026 and finish in March 2030.
More project information:
Project ID: 12879358
Planning Stage: Plans approved
Client: St William Homes
Planner: Quod
Architect: Studio Egret West
Quantity Surveyor: The Berkley Group
Contractor: St James Group
