THE future of Allendale’s sci-fi museum is in doubt after owner Neil Cole was hit with a large council county planning bill.

Mr Cole said he had been handed a £700 bill for planning services, but that the need for experts could mean the bill was as much as £1,500, threatening the museum with closure.

The museum has been the subject of a “save the Dalek” campaign after the council said a shed which is home to the Dalek needed planning permission.

A spokeswoman for Northumberland County Council said:  "Members of the planning team met with Mr and Mrs Cole yesterday to discuss issues relating to Osborne House and the museum which they have established there.

"A number of actions have been identified that are required to be carried out by the property owners in order to meet the conditions attached to the planning permission and listed building consent, and we will continue to work with them to help them to meet these requirements.

"Planning laws apply to everyone equally, and the council has no discretion to grant flexibility."