U2 star in California mansions deal
U2 star The Edge is a step closer in his long-running battle to build a group of mansion homes in a California beauty spot.
He has been bidding to create five homes on a ridge overlooking Malibu since 2006 but there had been concerns over the environmental impact.
However officials at the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy board have now agreed that they will not oppose the plan after being given assurances to allay their concerns and open up the area for greater public access.
The musician and his partners will pay $750,000 (€505,365) to help pay for work on public trails and up to $250,000 (€168,439) for consulting services.
However the project must still get final approval, and there are still some concerns from neighbouring residents.
Don Schmitz, who represents the owners of the Sweetwater Mesa estate, said they had carefully considered concerns about the impact.
He added: “The programme that the property owners and the Conservancy developed in collaboration will ensure significantly greater public access to natural areas through the linking and development of new coastal hiking trails.”
