U2 guitarist The Edge is fighting protesters in California who want to stop him building a five-home development.

The 47-year-old musician – real name David Evans - insists his plans to build on 156 acres of land which he purchased for £6.4 million, will not be intrusive to the scenery of the exclusive Sierra Canyon district of Malibu and thinks he will eventually win over local residents who are currently opposed to his ideas.

He said: 'I believe most of the local opposition is softening as I communicate my intentions of how these homes will collectively compliment the landscape.

'There is a small group of locals who are very vocal and simply want to stop all development of any kind.'

Malibu Mayor Pro Tem Jefferson Wagner insisted the development would be out of character for the area.

He said: 'This is not what Malibu is about. These kind of places are ego run riot.'

The 'Sweetest Thing' rocker will now put his case to the California Coastal Commission in June, where officials will decide if his plans can go ahead.

The Edge and his U2 bandmates – Bono, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. – are well known for campaigning on environmental issues, but have come under criticism in the past for their lavish, expensive outdoor stage shows.

Last year, they infuriated locals in Dublin, Ireland, with excessive sound levels during their shows at the city's Croke Park stadium.

An investigation found the group played over the 75 decibel level set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a total of 12 times during the three concerts, but tour promoters were fined just £33,125.

However, some local residents blasted the "paltry" penalty.

Pat Gates, chairperson of the Croke Park Area Residents' Alliance, said: "It is a paltry penalty, it really isn't a disincentive.

"They would write that off in terms of planning for such things. Any fines that do accrue to the city council should be invested back into the local community, as they were the ones that put up with it."