Brent Council aims to become the first local authority in the UK to ban controversial fracking in the borough.
The council plans to investigate whether powers granted by the Localism or Planning Acts allow it to ban fracking in the area.
Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said: “While there may be advantages to fracking in some parts of the country it would be dangerous and reckless for companies to start drilling in Brent.
“I will do everything legally within my power to address the concerns of residents and keep Brent a frack-free zone.”
Enviromental group Friends of the Earth have been campaigning for councillors from all parties to pledge to block fracking proposals.
Last week, the group staged a protest in Willesden Green urging Brent Council, MPs and London Assembly members to “swear” they refuse the controversial technology which extracts gas from shale.
The council has now promised to utilise any legal avenues to keep the borough ‘frack-free’.
Councils, states and local authorities worldwide have banned fracking in their areas but Brent would be the first council in the UK to follow suit.
Cllr Butt said :“Councils have significant and widespread powers which allow us to stand up for the rights of residents. I am determined to use these powers to help reassure people that fracking in Brent will always be a non-starter.”
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