Stan Fraser beside his monster model

Stan Fraser, 41, is fascinated with the story of the passenger ship which struck an iceberg and sank on its maiden voyage in 1912.

It dominates the garden of his family home in Clachnaharry Road, Inverness.

He said he has been told by a Highland Council planning officer that he should apply for permission retrospectively.

Mr Fraser and his sons Jason, 12, and Scott, 14, have spent six years so far on the model.

He said on Tuesday: "I need planning permission for the model."

Mr Fraser said a planning officer said this was because his property, a former tollhouse, is listed and due to the size of the Titanic model.

'Hard work'

The model maker added: "I'm worried that if I don't get planning permission all the hard work is down the drain."

However, he said he has not given up hope of getting council approval for his creation.

The wooden Titanic disguises two caravans the Frasers stayed in while renovating their home.

Mr Fraser uses a disco smoke machine to create smoke for the ship's four funnels and has launched his own website to promote his ambition to open a maritime museum.