To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether householders are required to obtain a certificate of lawfulness when paving over their front garden with permeable material; and what powers local authorities have to inspect the materials used. (252501)

Householders are neither required to seek specific planning permission nor obtain a certificate of lawfulness when paving over their front gardens using permeable materials. Local authorities have the right to inspect the materials used as part of their normal enforcement powers.