Harry Aubrey-Fletcher, a longtime friend of Prince William and godfather to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s youngest son, Prince Louis, has encountered local opposition over plans for a green energy facility on his Buckinghamshire estate. The proposed biogas plant at Hornage Farm was rejected by Buckinghamshire Council’s Strategic Sites Committee earlier this month, despite a recommendation from planning officers to approve the development.

Aubrey-Fletcher, 44, who attended Ludgrove and Eton College alongside Prince William and currently serves as an advisor to the Duchy of Cornwall, had offered approximately 15 acres of land for the project. The plant, put forward by Acorn Bioenergy, aimed to convert crops and organic waste into biogas for the national energy grid. The facility was designed to include five digester tanks, extensive crop storage, and two lagoons, operating continuously throughout the day.

However, the scheme faced strong resistance from local residents and parish councils. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on the rural environment, including increased traffic, noise, and odors emanating from the plant. During peak harvest periods, the operation could have entailed up to 140 lorry movements daily on narrow country roads, stirring fears over road safety and air pollution in the area.

Eight parish councils formally objected to the proposal, and a local campaign opposing the development gathered more than 1,600 signatures. Critics also expressed worries about the effect of the plant on the surrounding countryside and nearby waterways. Conservative MP Greg Smith was among the vocal opponents, describing the project as a “monster of a proposal” and cautioning that it posed unacceptable risks to the local community.

In evaluating the proposal, Buckinghamshire Council councillors prioritized the concerns raised by residents, particularly regarding traffic and safety issues, which led to the planning application’s refusal. The decision illustrates the challenges faced by renewable energy initiatives when balancing environmental benefits against community impact in rural areas.