By Molly Claire Goddard
11:18am PST, Feb 4, 2026
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According to
Daily Express, King Charles III has been informed that he doesn't need to submit a planning application to construct a slurry pit on the fields near his Sandringham residence. The area will reportedly be the size of four Olympic swimming pools.
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While King Charles III may be rejoicing, his neighbors aren't. "I am concerned that it was confirmed that the lagoon will have no cover. Sandringham Estate itself explained that a cover would indeed help to prevent the odor/gases from escaping into the environment, but that it was a monetary decision not to include one in the plans. Surely the environment and people's safety should be the priority," one person commented on the council website.
"I object strongly to these proposals, on the grounds of odor, and increased large vehicle movements. Having read the planning statement, this development is clearly proposed for financial reasons alone, with no regard for the impact on the quality of life of the wider community and its residents," a second said.
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Resident
Tim Harewood pointed out how the slurry pit will affect
Prince William and
Kate Middleton — who have their additional property, Anmer Hall, in the area. "It's going to be a huge manure lagoon and bound to be very smelly, which would not be great for Prince William and his family when they go to their country home for a relaxing stay," he told
Daily Express.
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Although King Charles III reportedly didn't have to submit a planning application, he did, along with a statement to King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council. "The proposals involve the formation of a fertilizer storage lagoon to serve an extensive, established landholding of approximately 2,700 hectares," the document read. "This is farmed to grow crops, including modern and traditional wheat, barley, beans and oat varieties, plus a range of heritage grains. The agricultural holding includes a substantial flock of Aberfield sheep and Beef Shorthorn cattle, which produce organic, 100% grass-fed meat. As part of the Estate's ongoing conservation management, an area of arable land has been converted to agroforestry, which involves the integration of crops and livestock in woodland, or among trees, to improve biodiversity. A variety of trees, including cider apple, perry pear, plum, quince, mulberry and walnut, have since been planted in addition to wildflower strips. The proposed development will deliver a new fertilizer storage lagoon to provide fertilizer storage capacity to serve the network of fields surrounding the application site."
