Plans for two 5G masts will be voted on this week, after an independent review into health concerns was carried out.

A vote on a plan for a “huge” 5G tower in Southcote was delayed last month, as some councillors called for an independent review into safety concerns and others wanted to make sure the mast would be camouflaged.

The other plan, on Kings Road, seeks to upgrade the current mast on top of a student accommodation block to 5G by replacing its antennas.

Reading Borough Council’s (RBC) Planning Applications committee will meet at 6.30pm on Wednesday to vote on the plans.

Officers have recommended both plans be approved.

READ MORE: New restaurant in the town centre and flats above Nationwide - this week's planning roundup

A decision on the 5G tower plan on Burghfield Road, Southcote, was deferred at the most recent Planning meeting on March 29, with concerns including the lack of an independent review into the safety of 5G.

An independent review has now been published, which 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.”

READ MORE: Renewed calls for historic pool to re-open as leisure provider asks for 'significant' bailout

Both applicants have confirmed compliance with the ICNIRP guidelines.

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.”

Councillors also raised concerns the size of the mast planned in Southcote, and the need to ensure it was as camouflaged as possible.

The applicant, Wireless Infrastructure Group (WIG), has agreed to construct the mast in a fir green colour finish, which officers have deemed suitable in the context of the surrounding countryside.

On height concerns, WIG said it would have to build another mast locally if it had to reduce the size of the Burghfield Road tower.

The other plan, at 252-256 Kings Road, will add 5G capacity to the three-metre mast on top of Berkshire House, a five-storey block of student accommodation.

The Burghfield Road mast is used by Huawei and EE, while the mast on Kings Road, which will add 5G capacity to the three-metre mast on top of the five-storey Berkshire House, is used by EE and Three.