I’m a gardening expert – these 3 hidden planning rules could see you fined for garden renovations… don’t be caught out

Permitted development rights allow owners to construct sheds, outdoor offices, paving areas and fences so long as they comply with set size limits and you do not live in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a conservation area, a National Park, a World Heritage Site, or the Norfolk or Suffolk Broads.

The seasoned garden expert said people often think their whole garden falls into this category.

But sometimes an outlaying area, such as an old orchard or paddock, can be deemed agricultural land rather than garden - and you won't be automatically covered by development rights.

To avoid this, Bunny suggests checking in with your local development officer to avoid and unnecessary and costly run-ins with the council.

Can I put a shed, pond or a treehouse in my garden?

Garden sheds do normally fall within permitted development rights, so they don't need planning permission.

But, if they are over 15 square-metres, are used for sleeping in or take up more than 50 per cent of the garden, then they do.

Wildlife pools are slightly different and depend on just how much soil you're removing - so it's best to check in with your local planning officer first.

A rule-of-thumb when it comes to tree houses is that if it's a large structure for your kids then it's pretty much guaranteed it'll need permission, Bunny said.

But if you keep it two metres from the boundary - and keep the height down to 4 metres - then it might not be necessary.

Homeowners should always seek the advice of your local planning department before getting started.

Can I put a path in place?

Pathways larger than 5 square metres must be made of impermeable material like stone, Bunny said.

Steps must be taken to ensure rainwater run-off flows into beds or grass areas. If those steps cannot be taken, you will need permission.

Regardless what you choose to do, Bunny recommends that you always check in with your local planning officer first and foremost.

The next step is to ensure the whole garden is within the area of land attached and enclosed to your house.

If some of it is not then you'll not have permitted development rights and will need permission.

And lastly, discuss your proposals with neighbours before lodging your planning application.

If they object to a design that's likely to affect them then it may give you time to pacify them by altering it in the early stages.