Angry residents this week found themselves sandwiched in chaos, as work to turn the premises below their flats into a Subway restaurant began.

Enforcement officers at Richmond Council have launched an investigation into whether planning laws have been breached at the new eatery in Broad Street, Teddington, after events organiser Katie Tombs, 25, and music promoter Mary O'Sullivan, 36, who live above the premises, contacted the council to complain.

Neither were informed of the refit, which started two weeks ago and has since caused disruption to their lives, invading their privacy, jeopardising security and blocking access to their flats, they claim.

"It is absolutely ridiculous," said Miss Tombs.

"I am disgusted with the fact that none of us were notified. I was even more disgusted to come home one evening to discover that the builders had pulled down the ceiling and they could see into my bedroom and bathroom."

Builders stuck two air vents on the wall beneath Miss Tomb's balcony, which she said poses a security risk and another vent is due for installation directly below Miss O'Sullivan's bedroom window at the front of the building.

A Richmond Council spokesman said: "No planning application has been received for this address and the council's planning enforcement team has launched an investigation to ascertain whether there has been a breach of the planning laws."

Farris Al-Naqeeb, franchisee for the new Subway chain, said: "As a local business, we understand and acknowledge the concerns of residents and give assurance that we take our responsibility to the community seriously.

"While we undertake the shop fitting process, we endeavour to create the minimum level of disruption possible and we apologise for any inconvenience caused during this process."

The premises, vacant since December, was previously a photographers.