A proposed renewable energy facility in Buckinghamshire has become a flashpoint for rural community concerns, with over 1,100 residents filing formal opposition to plans announced by local landowner Harry Aubrey-Fletcher, who serves as godfather to Prince Louis.
The development would see 15 acres of Aubrey-Fletcher's estate leased to energy company Acorn Bioenergy for construction of what would become England's largest biogas-to-grid installation.
The facility would process organic waste through anaerobic digestion to produce renewable gas for distribution across the national network, with capacity to supply approximately 9,500 households.
Local residents argue the project poses unacceptable environmental and practical risks. Planned operations would require transportation of roughly 150,000 tonnes of organic feedstock annually — necessitating approximately 30,000 heavy goods vehicle journeys on rural roads designed for light traffic.
Objectors cite concerns about road damage, increased accident risk, noise pollution, air quality degradation, and potential groundwater contamination.
The "Say No to Acorn" campaign group has argued the facility would create significant harm to rural infrastructure and landscape character whilst raising unanswered technical questions about environmental safeguards.
A local farmer characterised the proposal as fundamentally unsuitable for its countryside location, noting that reliance on materials sourced from distant locations would overwhelm existing transport capacity.
Aubrey-Fletcher and Acorn Bioenergy maintain the project represents a net environmental gain, emphasising its renewable energy contribution and rural economic benefits. They argue proposals have been designed to minimise community impact and incorporate feedback received during consultation.
Conservative MP Greg Smith has also registered formal opposition to the scheme.
A local council decision is scheduled for 2 September.
