The Edge is officially turning international property tycoon as he has been granted permission to build a number of luxury houses in the USA.

The U2 guitarist had applied to California Coastal Commission for a housing project in Malibu that has attracted much controversy, as opponents believe that their construction will disturb the habitat of wildlife that live there.

However, yesterday he was granted approval for the project, which will see five luxury houses, each spanning 10,000 square feet with their own swimming pools, built on the site that he originally bought in 2005.

The architectural plans have undergone several revisions over the years to accommodate the concerns relating to wildlife, and he's also agreed to dedicate 140 acres of the property to be used as open space with public and equestrian access, reports Billboard.

In a statement released after yesterday's decision, he thanked the community and the commission for "all their thoughtful feedback and guidance throughout this long process -- it has inherently driven better home designs and ensured protection of Malibu's natural resources."

He added: "From day one my intention was to build a home of the very highest possible standard of environmental sensitivity and sustainability. Together, this collaborative effort has achieved that goal."