Plans for a ring of steel around Oxford University's science area have been thrown out by city councillors, writes Madeleine Pennell.

The University wants to put up a two-metre high steel paling fence and gates around most of its science area in Parks Road, South Parks Road and University Parks to stop vandalism and attacks on staff.

Animal rights protesters regularly demonstrate outside the science area. Psychology professor Colin Blakemore has been subjected to a 13-year campaign of letter bombs and kidnap threats over his work, which involves animals. A report by Oxford City Council's planning committee said that security needed to be stepped up and CCTV cameras were no longer considered adequate.

Cllr John Goddard, chairman of the planning committee said: "We want officers to negotiate something that is better designed."

There are several laboratories, the Radcliffe Science Library, The Museum Lodge and the Pitt Rivers Museum at the South Parks Road site.

Objections were raised by the Victorian Group of Oxfordshire Architectural and Historical Society which said that the fence would be unsightly and would prefer the University to repair its iron railings. A University spokesman said: "As this is an ongoing planning matter, it is too early to comment. We are aware that this is a matter for public consultation.

"We are mindful of public opinion and we will take that into consideration and moderate our proposals. We will abide by the council's guidelines and we are going to submit new plans in September."