The council said the model was built in a conservation area

An official from Highland Council visited the home of 41-year-old Stan Fraser to see the structure.

The local authority has now issued a statement saying consent will be needed because the model is beside a listed building and in a conservation area.

Mr Fraser has told BBC Scotland of his fear that he will be refused permission and he will have to remove the model.

Mr Fraser and his sons have spent six years working on the 88ft (27m) model next to their home, the Old Tollhouse, in Clachnaharry Road.

There have been no complaints about the model Highland Council

The council said on Wednesday: "The council is in discussion with the owner about an application for retrospective planning permission.

"It was recent publicity of the owner that brought it to the attention of the council's planning service.

"There have been no complaints about the model.

"If the building concerned wasn't a listed building or located within a conservation area then the model might not require planning permission depending on how close it is to the house and previous extensions to the house."

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