The council has written to Victoria Beckham and her husband

East Hertfordshire District Council said the celebrity couple would be expected to apply for retrospective planning permission.

The castle contains a mock tower, drawbridge, slides and rope swings.

A council spokeswoman said: "We became aware when we saw a photograph of it in a Sunday newspaper recently."

As it is over 4m high it needs planning permission, decided on by a planning officer.

The council has written to the couple, the spokeswoman said.

"We were informed that the structure had been erected in the grounds of the Beckhams' home.

"We have visited the problem and advised Mr and Mrs Beckham that because the structure is over four metres high, it will require planning permission," she said.

It had not received any application yet, "but we are expecting to do so in the near future."

Copies of the plans would be sent to Sawbridgeworth Parish Council, whose members could make comments on the proposals.