Reading Borough Council 5G Mast Decision

Councillors set to approve or reject plans for two 5G masts in Southcote and on Kings Road.

10:36 04 June 2020

Plans for two 5G masts, one in Southcote and one on King's Road, will be voted this week following a month delay as councillors waited for an independent review into safety concerns. Reading Borough Council's Planning Applications Committee is set to discuss the issue on Wednesday at 6.30pm. Officers have recommended the approval of both plans. 

 

The published independent review states: "The local planning authority will require that the operator provides a declaration or certificate to confirm compliance with ICNIRP guidance. 

 

"Clearly, planning officers do not have the scientific expertise to scrutinize the data provided but can check that the applicant has addressed the relevant guidance. 

 

"Should a health concern arise, it will fall to Ofcom and the HSE to monitor and address." 

 

Commenting on the plans, Susan Arstall, a Reading resident and retired doctor, said: "It is important to be aware that not all scientists agree with all the views of the ICNIRP and the standards they advocate as to levels of safety regarding electromagnetic radiation." 

 

"It should be noted that several governments including that of Switzerland, some states of the USA, and some cities worldwide, including for example Brussels, have placed moratoriums on the installation of 5G networks because of concerns for their effects on plants, animals and human beings.

 

"I believe that no final decision on the above-mentioned installation should be made without members of the public present to ask questions."