tenant application refused as not met you in person? Allowed?

Letting Agents

Hi
Although we are landlords we are wanting to move to the SE of England and therefore will be renting initially
As we are in the NE it is not possible to view any properties in person until after restrictions are lifted and therefore are willing to rent for 6 months just remotely (just looking online and google maps etc)

We saw a flat we wanted to secure and were willing just to pay full 6 months rent upfront etc but the estate agent(yes i know!! not a true letting agent!! ARRRR) said he couldn't accept our money or application until HE met us in person and approved us!
What the heck?

So my question is:
Is this allowed ?
Is it lawful?
Is it not discrimination against distance? we live 7 hours away and obviously can't visit yet, as its against the law.
Surely if a prospective tenant wants to apply they have right to put deposit down then complete application, do they not?

Any legal advice on this?

Thanks
Simon & Steph McCardle