MALIBU, Calif. — The Edge, U2’s guitarist, is closer to getting his long-planned compound of mansions built in the mountains above Malibu.

The California Coastal Commission staff reached a settlement agreement Friday with David Evans that would allow a downsized version of the project that was objected to by neighbors and environmentalists.

Evans has tried since 2006 to build five mansions on 150 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The project still needs approval by the full commission, which is scheduled to vote next month.