Homeowners with a fence in their have been warned they could face fines of up to £5,000 under new laws. An expert has urged gardeners to look up the new rules before putting up any fencing.

came into force last month under "The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015". The updates simplify the rules around replacing a boundary, a hedge, or installing a new fence. Gurpreet Chhokar, Which? Legal Expert, said: "If you're thinking of putting up a new garden this summer, there are a few important things to bear in mind to make sure you don't break any laws and find yourself landed with a fine." For a back fence, you're allowed a fence up to two metres high (that's about 6'6") without needing planning permission.

Gurpreet said: "If you don't have planning permission, then your fence can't be any higher than two metres from the ground."

Front fences can't go above one metre if you live next to a footpath, road or public space. That's just over three feet tall.

The expert added: "There will also be some cases where planning permission will be needed if the fence is more than a meter high - such as if it borders a highway or the footpath of a highway.

"If you're not sure, then it's worth getting in touch with your local planning authority (which is usually your local council) to check."

When it comes to replacing a fence, the left-hand side of your garden (as seen from the street) is usually your responsibility. If the "rough" side of the fence faces you, the chances are it's yours to maintain.

You could face penalties of up to £5,000 if you're a household or £20,000 if you're a business, it has been warned.

The warning is timely given UK households will be spending the summer months doing gardening jobs and outdoor DIY.