s=10RESIDENTS want time to be called on a new pub plan which they believe will turn the area into a haven for boozers.o

Pub chain JD Wetherspoon aims to convert a bed shop at a prime Green Lanes location into a pub despite the number of drinking establishments in the area doubling recently.

As the Independent went to press, Enfield Council planning chiefs were set to consider the change of use application which has been recommended for approval by officers.

But residents groups have registered complaints with the council fearing that yet another pub would have a detrimental effect on the area.

Many feel the area will be flooded with lager louts and that a new pub would bring more traffic, parking problems and litter.

Palmers Green councillor Bambos Charlambous said: "There are enough restaurants, pubs and bars as it is. I think we have a good balance.

"I disagree with the officers on this one. It would change the composition of the High Street.

"There is a decent number of places that sell alcohol in Palmers Green and a pub as big as that would have a huge impact on the area."

If approved, the pub would be the third new drinking den within 100 yards of Alderman's Hill in the last two years.

The site, currently occupied by the Iron Bed Company, is the equivalent in size of four shop units.

Since 1997, the number of retail units used for selling food and drink has increased from six per cent to 14 per cent.

Officers have recommended that the plan goes ahead on the condition that the company contributes £15,000 to town centre improvements and other stipulations.

JD Wetherspoon, which intends to keep its Whole Hog pub open just yards away from the site, owns 550 pubs nationwide.

All but 15 of them are run to a formula of selling cheap beer and food and a no music policy.

A spokesman for the company said: "Wetherspooon's is an established, respected company. It's in our interests to have a good understanding with residents nearby."

If the application is granted by planners, Wetherspoon's will apply for a licence for the premises. The company hopes to open by late summer 2002.

The spokesman added: "If both are approved, we are very keen to have a second pub in Palmers Green. We just feel there is ample room for another Wetherspoon's pub nearby."