An appeal court has ruled that a meadow can retain its status as an asset of community value (ACV).

In 2014, St Albans District Council agreed to list Bedmond Field, off Bedmond Lane, as an ACV following a request by the Verulam Residents Association.

This status meant that the land's owners, Banner Homes, could not sell the green belt land without giving the community an opportunity to bid for it.

ACV's are assigned to land or property that is deemed to be of "social importance" to the community.

Banner Homes had already appealed twice against the council's decision to award ACV status; both unsuccessful.

When the Upper Tribunal rejected the company's case at the second appeal, Banner Homes challenged the court's decision on a point of law at the Court of Appeal in February this year.

Judges Lord Justice Davis, Lady Justice Sharp, and Sir Rupert Jackson upheld the council's initial decision.

They also refused an application by Banner Homes for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Banner Homes have to inform the council if they plan to sell the seven acre Bedmond Field. Community groups are then given six months to raise enough money to buy the land; however Banner Homes would not be obliged to sell to them.

Lady Justice Sharp said that Bedmond Field is a popular recreation area, used for dog walking, children's play, and kite flying.

However, there is currently no access to the field for the public apart from two public footpaths, after Banner Homes fenced off the area when the ACV was awarded puttiing up signs that read 'Private land, no unauthorised access'.