Prince William’s friend and the godfather of Prince George is at war with locals over plans to lease 15 acres of his Buckinghamshire estate to build Europe’s largest biogas plant
Harry Aubrey-Fletcher, godfather to Prince George and a close friend of Prince William, is facing a backlash from residents and farmers in Buckinghamshire over plans to lease 15 acres of his Hornage Farm estate to Acorn Bioenergy for what would become England's largest biogas-to-grid anaerobic digestion plant. The scheme, which converts organic waste into gas for the national grid, has divided opinion because while its backers say it offers a green energy solution, critics argue it would blight the countryside with heavy traffic, pollution and noise.
Campaigners, including the group Say No to Acorn, warn the project would bring an estimated 30,000 HGV journeys carrying 150,000 tonnes of organic material through nine villages, damaging roads and safety, while also risking toxic run-off into local waterways. A neighbouring farmer branded the plan "completely inappropriate", and Conservative MP Greg Smith has formally objected to Buckinghamshire Council, which has received 1,125 objections and is due to vote on the proposal on Wednesday. Aubrey-Fletcher and Acorn Bioenergy defend the scheme, saying it would supply enough renewable gas to heat 9,500 homes and has been shaped by years of community consultation, with no objections from the council's statutory consultees.
In short
- Prince George's godfather faces backlash over huge biogas plant plan
- Critics cite traffic, pollution and safety risks from 30,000 HGV trips
- Buckinghamshire Council votes on the scheme Wednesday amid 1,125 objections
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters could argue that the plant would turn organic waste into renewable gas for the national grid, helping reduce reliance on fossil fuels and providing enough energy to heat about 9,500 homes. They say the project has been shaped through years of consultation and that statutory consultees have not objected, suggesting its impacts can be managed.
The case against
Opponents could argue that the projected 30,000 HGV journeys through nine villages would bring noise, pollution, road damage and safety risks to rural communities, while increasing the chance of harmful run-off into local waterways. They may see those local costs as disproportionate to the energy produced, and the site as unsuitable for an industrial-scale facility in the countryside.
Explained simply
Anaerobic digestion is a process that uses microbes to break down organic material, such as food or farm waste, producing biogas. The gas can be cleaned and supplied to the national grid, while the leftover material may be used as fertiliser.
Acorn Bioenergy develops plants that turn organic waste into gas, and Harry Aubrey-Fletcher owns the Hornage Farm estate in Buckinghamshire. The proposed facility would take in waste from nearby areas, so its effects could extend beyond the land where it is built.
Supporters say plants like this can provide renewable energy and make use of organic waste. Disputes often focus on how waste is transported and whether local roads, residents and the environment can accommodate the extra activity.