I expanded to the field in the red area in the pic below:
I payed the lanterns, the permit(s) and the coins, and even moved trees and bushes out of the way, so I could make use of the newly found land.
Seconds later, the game reloaded, and not only the land wasn't expanded and the trees were gone, but also I can't expand to this area anymore! Furthermore, I expect to have lost my lanterns, permit(s) and coins, but since I didn't know how many I had, I can't tell for sure.
Can someone please explain me how this is possible?