The Edge & David Bowie. We Like This Picture
U2 star The Edge has been accused of attempting to skirt environmental regulations in a bid to develop land he bought overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, California.
The guitarist has been fighting plans to turn the 156-acre Sweetwater Mesa estate into a small community of homes since he bought the plot in 2006 - but local residents have opposed his plans because of the environmental impact the development will have.
And now his hopes of making a start on the dream have been dealt a serious blow by state regulators, who have accused him of trying to get around green rules by concealing who owns the property.
California Coastal Commission officials have recommended rejecting the musician's plans to build five mansions - because they would cause extensive geological disturbance and destroy environmentally sensitive native vegetation.
But, according to the Los Angeles Times, the environmental agency bosses have granted a last-minute request by the musician and his partners to postpone a vote, so he can submit a new proposal, which would force the CCC to review each of the five mansions separately, rather than as one development.
The rocker and his associates now contend the project consists of five independently owned parcels. The switch would make it more difficult for the agency to limit the number of homes on the site.
But agency officials have now accused Evans of attempting to skirt environmental regulations by asking that each home be considered separately. State regulators said they concluded that Evans was the owner and controlling force behind the development and that they would probably approve only two or three smaller homes.
The Edge has already spoken out about the environmental concerns surrounding his development ideas, stating, "The California coast is a true natural treasure, and I believe in responsible design that honors such a unique location."
Tagged in The Edge