A sci-fi-lover's passion project is under threat from council officials, who say the shed which houses his model Dalek breaches planning rules.
But locals say they'll fight to defend the much-loved model.
Art teacher Neil Cole has become embroiled in a row over his museum of science fiction, which he founded in the cellar of his home in Allendale, Northumberland.
The model Dalek which adorns the outside of the museum has become a popular sight in the village, as beloved by walkers strolling past to take selfies as it is with the Doctor Who fanatics who travel from the other end of the country, or even the world, to see Neil's collection.
But in January, Neil was told the small display shed, where the model he made with students, had to go, as it didn't comply with planning constraints on his Grade II-listed home.
Now, the Doctor Who fan has been allowed to apply for retrospective permission to erect the small wooden shed, without which, he says, the Dalek, which would be damaged in bad weather, will not be able to stay in Allendale.
After just two days on the Northumberland County Council website, the application has been indundated with supportive comments, with 57 supportive comments at time of writing.
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Some report travelling to Northumberland or to Allendale specifically to see the museum and then spending money in the town. Comments come from as far afield as Norfolk, Shropshire and Glasgow, while Neil claims he's had visitors from Canada.
Derek Mahoney, of Cheshire, wrote: "Until I met Neil and Lisa Cole I admit I had never heard of Allendale. But know I've been several times all thanks to The Museum and Neil and Lisa's hard work.
"It is a credit to Allendale and a marvellous boost to tourism. The shed does not in any way detract from the area, but when open the Dalek is a marvellous indication of the museum's location."
But most of the comments were from locals.
Kay Gilhespy, of Allendale, wrote: "I whole heartedly support this application, the Sci-Fi Museum and our Allendalek add to the fun and quirkiness of our village...
"Well done to Neil and his family on what they have achieved, they have bought in tourists from far and wide who have then used our other facilities and helped put Allendale on the map. It has been nothing but a positive for our village! It would be a tragedy to have it removed!"
Neil said: "If it hadn't been for the amazing local support we probably would've packed up by now. Hopefully the council will see how loved it is - I've just gone out on a limb and tried to create something unique.
"Before we moved in the house was in an awful state, there was a horrible old caravan outside, and that wasn't a problem, but this is?"
The Northumberland Local Plan indicates that developments which bring underused heritage assets into economic use, e.g. for tourism, can be supported, which Neil argues his museum does.
His argument is supported by many who responded to the application.
Allendale resident Gayle Murray wrote: "I don't think the shed or the Dalek causes any unsightly obstruction especially knowing what was there before Neil and his family tidied up and improved the building."
Northumberland County Council say they "wish to work with the property owner to resolve this". However, in January they also said that "due to the listed status of the property, an application [for planning permission] is unlikely to be supported".
The application can be found at https://publicaccess.northumberland.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=PRAKH9QSFZZ00&activeTab=summary
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