Campaigners desperate to save an 'enchanting' St Albans flower meadow from the threat of large-scale housing development have scored an important victory.

Banner Homes Limited owns Bedmond Lane Field and, although it is in the green belt, has its eye on the 4.83-hectare meadow as a potential site for new housing.

But the Verulam Residents Association says it is a priceless local asset, with its rich diversity of flora and fauna providing 'an inspiration and a joy' for all.

St Albans District Council responded last year by registering the field as an 'asset of community value' under the Localism Act 2011.

The listing, set to last five years, meant that, if Banner Homes, wanted to sell the field it would have to notify the council first.

And any sale could be held up for six months to give local people an opportunity to make alternative proposals for the site.

Banner Homes responded to the decision by fencing off two footpaths which cross the field and putting up 'private property' notices.

It also mounted a legal challenge to the listing - but has now had its complaints dismissed by the First-Tier Tribunal.

Banner Homes argued that members of the public who had enjoyed in the field in the past had no right to be there, as it was private property.

The company's lawyers said the council's decision in effect gave 'carte blanche' to trespasssers.

But Judge Peter Lane said local nature lovers were far removed from illegal rave organisers or those intent on causing criminal damage.

Even though 'formally unauthorised', the field had a history of 'long, peacable and socially beneficial use' by local residents, he added.

Previous owners had not complained and, even though the field had now been fenced off, it was possible that residents might be permitted to walk there again.

He told the tribunal: "Whilst I note Banner Homes' current stated stance, it is not fanciful, given the history of the field, to think that it may well conclude that their relations with the local community will be best served by restoring the status quo or by entering into some form of licence arrangement with the residents association or similar grouping".

Residents Association member, Dr Robert Wareing, who has lived in the area for over 40 years, earlier told the tribunal: "The field has been an inspiration and a joy for us.

"We have spent at least at least an hour each day almost every day - in total amounting to more than 10,000 hours - enjoying the enchanting environment and diverse and rich flora and fauna.

"We use it for walking our dog, for playing with our grandchildren and our children before that. More recently, for the perfect tranquillity it affords, whilst I have been convalescing from a life-threatening illness."