People campaigning to save a wildflower meadow are claiming victory in the latest round of their battle with the county council.

The county wants to tarmac over the meadow at Bar End in Winchester for a 420-space extension of the city's park and ride scheme.

Protesters took their case to the High Court in London. They argued the meadow should be preserved, as land offered in mitigation was not as accessible and environmentally diverse.

Mr Justice Ouseley ruled in favour of the campaigners. The council is now deciding whether to appeal.

Keith Story, of the Winchester Meadows Conservation Alliance, said: "We are pleased. We think it's a victory for common sense and a decision of right over might."

But the battle is set to continue. The county received permission in 1996 for the Bar End site, part of the old Winchester bypass, which was grassed over in 1994.

A condition imposed on the council was that it had to provide a substitute meadow to replace the Bar End plot.

The council nominated 55 acres of land at Magdalen Hill near Alresford Road. Campaigners argued it was unsuitable owing to problems with access, poor public transport links and far fewer species of flora and fauna.

Despite the High Court's ruling in favour of the campaigners, the council can still tarmac over the Bar End meadow if it provides a suitable mitigation site. It could even put forward Magdalen Hill again if the council improves accessibility and environmental diversity.

Council executive member for environment, Keith Estlin, said: "We will continue to seek ways to implement the park and ride site as quickly as possible."

Mr Story has extended an invitation to the council to discuss an alternative to the park and ride extension.