Eric and Veronica Shaw, who live in Pickmere, were visited by planning officers in April after it was discovered they had brought part of a neighbouring farmer's field and added it to their immaculate garden.

They were told to stop mowing the lawn, dismantle a rockery, take down a shed and fence the whole area off.

Next month, they will find out if a Government inspector thinks Macclesfield Borough Council's actions were too drastic.

"We are trying to do our best," said Veronica. "Even our neighbours think it's crazy."

Macclesfield Borough Council refused to grant permission for the garden extension because it contravened green belt policy.

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