MONMOUTHSHIRE council will not have to pay a compensation claim of £6 million for loss of shooting rights near Monmouthshire Livestock Centre.

Jack Hanbury-Tenison, the former owner of the shooting rights at High House Farm, near Raglan had submitted a claim of £6 million in compensation on the basis that he was entitled to a share of the development value of the site of Abergavenny livestock market.

In 2012 the Welsh Government allowed the council to obtain the shooting rights on 27 acres of land at Bryngwyn, owned by the council next to the site of Monmouthshire Livestock Centre using a legal power known as a compulsory purchase order following an inquiry. The site had a covenant within the deed that gave former owner Mr Hanbury-Tenison had a right to shoot up to 10 times a year at 24 hours notice, within 10 metres of the boundary.

The council argued this would mean the auctioneers could not hold a market on the 10 days the rights were exercised because of the proximity of live ammunition being fired. The Welsh Government considered the recommendations made by the planning inspector and, in July 2013, found there was a compelling case in the public interest to acquire the rights and that there are substantial community benefits to be gained from a new livestock market.

There was a contention around legal precedents and case law which went to a preliminary hearing in the Upper Chamber in June this year.

The results were announced - and were in the council’s favour. They said that Mr Hanbury-Tenison was not entitled to a share of the town centre development value.

A Monmouthshire council spokeswoman said: “Our expert valuer had determined that the market value of the shooting rights was £1,000.

“We are currently seeking legal advice as to our ability to recover the legal costs that we have incurred as a result of the preliminary hearing.”