U2 guitarist, The Edge, has become embroiled in a lawsuit filed by environmentalist organization, the Sierra Club, over his plan to build five mansions on an untouched ridge in Malibu.
The Edge, stage name of Irish songwriter and musician, David Howell Evans of the rock band, U2, first approached the California Coastal Commission in 2011 to erect a five-mansion project with swimming pools along the Sweetwater Mesa area.
After an initial denial, Evans, together with three other property owners proposed a scaled-down version of their original project, which was subsequently approved by the commission panel, the LA Times reported.
Following protests over the multi-mansion project’s effect on the area’s air quality, as well as a potential increase in greenhouse gas emissions, the Sierra Club, has lodged a lawsuit at the L.A. County Superior Court.
The lawsuit, filed Jan. 21, Thursday, accuses the commission of failing to thoroughly assess the project’s impact on Sweetwater Mesa, the San Francisco CBS noted, and contends it has violated the California Environmental Quality Act.
The Sierra Club, which has been fighting The Edge’s multi-mansion project since it was proposed, has stated the commission failed to follow Malibu’s coastal plan by approving a non-essential private construction on environmentally sensitive habitats.
The petition for write of mandate further asked the commission to set aside its permit for the project, citing the body was required to investigate further on other alternatives, including scenarios where one or more than one homes are built.
While each lot in the proposed multi-mansion development project is owned by different corporations, only Evans’ name was mentioned, as he is the only lot owner who is publicly known, the Charlotte Observer said.
The Sierra Club further said scaling down the project is an inadequate reason for its approval, as the properties in the Sweetwater Mesa need to retain its protected open spaces.
The commission has yet to comment on the lawsuit pending its review of the case.
