A new blow has been delivered to Oxford schools' reorganisation by city councillors alarmed at the implications for congested roads and children's safety.

Objections were raised over five out of six school plans examined by the planning committee, which angrily accused the education authority of a "lack of professionalism".

Members said they were appalled that county council officers appeared ignorant about crucial aspects of plans to expand local schools.

Now, the city council has called for a disputes meeting to try to get answers to their concerns about how Oxford's clogged roads would be able to cope with more people travelling by car to larger schools.

The vice-chairman of the committee, Dr Mike Woodin, said: "This shows either contempt for the planning committee or ignorance of basic planning procedure.

"The whole reorganisation has been planned in a most chaotic manner."

Outgoing Oxford Lord Mayor Cllr Maureen Christian said: "The officers from the county were not properly briefed and could not provide us with adequate information.

"It was all very patronising."

The planning committee objected to plans for Frideswide Middle School, St Michael's First School, Larkrise First School, Church Cowley St James First School, and Bayswater Middle School.

The issue of a new 14-class primary school on land north of Aristotle Lane, which would require a mile-long spine road, will be pursued separately.

Most of the school plans involve building extra classrooms, offices and school extensions, required because of the controversial decision to close the city's middle schools.

Planning committee chairman, John Goddard, said: "This is really all about expanding first schools into primary schools. There is bound to be changes in traffic patterns, with more pupils going to these schools."

Under planning law, the county council will ultimately be able to grant itself planning permission for the schools. It is only obliged to consult the city council.

But the city's objections will be seized on by parents campaigning to save Oxford middle schools, as further evidence that the reorganisation is running into serious difficulties, making completion by September 2003 doubtful.

Neil Monaghan, assistant director of county council environmental services, said: "We will look carefully at the planning committee's comments. I believe we provided all the information which was requested, and would normally be provided by any applicant."