Natasha Kaplinsky submits plans for giant 26ft kids tree house in her East Sussex back garden

BBC presenter and Strictly Come Dancing star Natasha Kaplinsky has announced plans to transform her garden by building a 26ft ‘adventureland’ tree house.

The veteran newsreader, 41, is seeking planning permission to build the huge structure and play area, complete with a slide, monkey bars and swings.

Kaplinsky is proposing the build the giant wooden play house in a tree at the edge of her farmhouse she shares with husband Justin Bower and children in Sheffield Park, East Sussex.

Kaplinsky, who won the first ever series of the popular dancing show in 2004, is thought to have bought the million-pound property with her husband last year.

The split-level tree house, which also contains a covered 'play room', is estimated as being 17ft wide and 38ft long.

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: 'I'm stunned, the plans look massive.

'It's very rural here so I don't think anybody would have any objections if she wanted to turn her back garden into an adventureland. I certainly don't mind.'

According to plans lodged with Wealden District Council the structure is an 'elevated playhouse in garden, to be built around existing tree with wooden decking and rope bridge.'

Residents have three weeks to attempt to block the construction, if they feel their privacy or lives will be adversely affected.