Under highway rules, anyone putting up a scaffolding on the road has to have a permit covering the length of time it is in place - in Andrew Smith's case almost a year as he demolished and rebuilt the bulging outer walls of a gable-end property he owned in Clifford Street.

Pendle Council had warned him the council would consider making a compulsory purchase order on the property so he began work at the end of July, 2007.

As a huge part of all three outside walls had to be taken down and rebuilt, major scaffolding was needed and Mr Smith was told he would need a permit, as it encroached on to the back street.

"I said then I thought it was a bit unfair the council should ask me to do up the house and then charge me for putting up the scaffolding I needed to do the job," said Mr Smith. "People could still get past, it wasn't as though I had blocked off the street."

So far he has paid out almost £1,000 but it appears Mr Smith has little chance of a rebate as two different councils are involved: the borough council who sent out the original letter, and the county council which is responsible for issuing permits.

A spokesman said: "Anyone putting up scaffolding on the highway is required to apply for a permit. The payment is to cover the county council's cost in regulating the use of scaffolding and to ensure public safety and rights of access are not compromised."