HIDDEN behind a wooden facade in Palmers Green, work is underway to convert a disused shop unit into a McDonald's restaurant.

The Independent has learnt that the burger giant is busy preparing to open up a new outlet at the junction of Lodge Drive and Green Lanes.

And residents are in uproar, fearing the area is becoming a haven for fast-food outlets.

The location is just yards away from takeaway rivals Burger King, Starburger and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Andrew Friel, who lives nearby, expressed his anger on behalf of many Lodge Drive residents.

He said: 'I hadn't heard about it until now. The last thing anyone in that street wants is a McDonald's right beside them.

'There will be rubbish and lorries pulling up ? we do not need another fast-food outlet, that's for sure.'

Local campaigner June Rapacioli added: 'This is a prime example of a lack of consultation ? you get what you are given.

'The good burghers of Winchmore Hill had the chance to voice their opinions and the rest is history.'

A plan to open a McDonald's in Winchmore Hill four years ago was scrapped after a public outcry.

Another resident, Andy Da Silva, said: 'It seems that all Palmers Green has to offer these days is takeaways ? surely there must be room for something else.

'Palmers Green used to be prestigious place to live ? does this signal the area is becoming more downmarket?'

McDonald's is planning to open its doors for the first time on July 1. Prior to that, chiefs are hoping to meet the town centre manager to discuss the opening.

When the Independent broke the news to Enfield Southgate MP Stephen Twigg, he said the location was 'regrettable'.

He said: 'The buck stops with the planners. I think something like this would understandably feed the concern of planning in Enfield ? at least there should be an opportunity for local people to have their voice heard.

'It is something that concerns me greatly and I will discuss this with the leader of the council.

'No-one wants empty shop units but I would like to see a better balance. It is regrettable if we are going to see another fast-food outlet in Palmers Green.

'I think there are too many ? more than there needs to be. We need to have a better mix of shops.'

Meanwhile, confusion reigns over who gave the go-ahead for the development.

A council spokesman confirmed that an application for change of use had been approved last June for a firm named Careline Properties Ltd.

The approval subsequently granted a licence for the premises to be used as a food and drink outlet such as a take-away, public house or restaurant.

However, a McDonald's spokeswoman said the company had acquired the premises approximately two weeks ago with planning permission already in place, meaning that the previous owners had paved the way for a take-away.

The spokeswoman added: 'I can confirm that McDonald's is looking forward to a summer opening in Palmers Green.

'We will be meeting the town centre manager to discuss ways in which we can make a successful opening for McDonald's in Palmers Green in the near future.

'McDonald's operates litter patrols in the vicinity of restaurants and is intending to get feedback from residents and traders about this when we open.'