University bosses want to put a ring of steel around sensitive science buildings to stop vandalism and attacks on staff.

Oxford University has applied for permission to put up the steel security fencing and gates around most of its science area in Parks Road, South Parks Road and University Parks.

It said that security was a major issue and CCTV cameras were no longer considered to provide an adequate defence.

A report to be heard by city council planning committee members on Wednesday said the two-metre high, steel paling fence would be painted black and would be the most useful deterrent during demonstrations when buildings were damaged and staff attacked.

The South Parks Road site is home to a number of laboratories and the Radcliffe Science Library.

Objections have already been raised to the proposal from the Victorian Group of Oxfordshire Architectural and Historical Society who said that the fence would be unsightly and would prefer the University to repair its existing cast-iron railings.

The report said: "The police and the University's own security advisers consider the only effective measure to reduce the risk of deliberate damage to buildings and staff is a 2m high security fence with gates.

"During high-risk times, these gates could be locked and the admission of people closely monitored by security staff."

Planning officers want the University to rethink the design before recommending that councillors should approve the scheme.