Susie Watson Faces Backlash from Ramsbury Residents after Converting Former Offices into Rental Home in Wiltshire Village

Interior designer Susie Watson, famed for her luxurious country-style stores and dubbed the “Queen of Chipping Norton chic,” has unexpectedly found herself at the centre of a planning dispute in the Wiltshire village of Ramsbury.

Known for her high-end cushions and hand-embroidered lampshades, Watson’s designs have long been a draw for the Cotswolds’ affluent shoppers.

But her recent conversion of former offices into a residential cottage has stirred controversy among locals.

From Boutique Offices to a Cosy Cottage

The building in question, a two-storey structure on Ramsbury’s village square, was used as Watson’s offices until staff relocated to nearby Marlborough.

Almost immediately, builders transformed the space into a modest two-bedroom home.

Situated within the heavily-protected North Wessex Downs, the change of use should have required planning permission—a step that was initially overlooked.

The Watsons have now applied for retrospective consent from Wiltshire Council.

Should the application be denied, the couple could be required to revert the property to its office setup.

Villagers Voice Frustration

Locals have expressed mixed feelings about the conversion.

Some worry it reflects a gradual erosion of community life in Ramsbury, pointing to the closure of pubs and other local businesses.

One resident lamented that the village now has only the post office and shop as active community hubs.

Others were surprised by the lack of consultation and transparency, noting a steady stream of builders at the property without clear explanation.

“It’s already been done. It’s been changed into a house,” one villager said, describing the situation as typical of the area’s ongoing development.

Watson Responds to Criticism

Susie Watson, speaking to the press, described the criticism as “slightly catty” and dismissed exaggerated reports about the property’s value.

She clarified that the modest home, now let to a tenant, was simply a return to the building’s original use as a house and argued that the conversion addresses housing demand.

She also defended her business, stressing the quality and handmade nature of her products.

“It’s a small but nice cottage, and it’s already rented,” Watson said.

“What can they have an issue about? There’s no issue at all.”

Planning and Property Details

The property was purchased in 2015 for £1.8 million according to Land Registry records.

Since the conversion, the Watsons submitted documents to Wiltshire Council acknowledging their initial oversight regarding planning rules within the North Wessex Downs Natural Landscape.

They emphasized that no external structural changes were made aside from removing office signage.

Wiltshire Council has declined to comment on the ongoing application.

What’s Next?

The council’s decision on retrospective planning permission is expected in the coming weeks.

If approved, the Watsons can continue letting the cottage, while the situation could set a precedent for other small businesses seeking to repurpose office space in protected villages.

Locals, meanwhile, continue to debate the balance between preserving village life and adapting to housing needs.

Summary

Susie Watson, the celebrated interior designer behind Susie Watson Designs, has converted her former Ramsbury offices into a two-bedroom rental home without prior planning permission.

The change has caused a stir among villagers concerned about the loss of office space and the broader impact on community life.

Watson has applied for retrospective approval and insists the modest cottage meets housing demand.

Wiltshire Council has yet to rule on the matter.