Garden expert warns of 'little-known' laws that could cost homeowners up to £20,000 in fines

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Millions of Brits will now be venturing outside to sort their gardens out ahead of the summer. There are many ways that you can improve your outdoor space from laying down new decking or patio, to sorting the hedges or even adding in a garden room.

However, one home improvement specialist has warned how some of these common garden improvements could lead to a hefty fine, or in some extreme cases, even a criminal record.

Sean Bunyan, head of commercial operations at Eurocell, explains how easily homeowners who are improving their gardens can be caught out by planning restrictions or expensive disputes with neighbours.

He breaks down how to improve your garden while staying on the right side of the law and avoiding fines of up to £20,000. READ MORE: 'I make £85,000 a year renting out my swimming pool - it's our main income' Understanding permitted development Before diving into your garded, it’s important to understand the rules around Permitted Development (PD).