ABBA's Ulvaeus to call Swedish island home

VISBY, Sweden, March 22 (UPI) -- Former ABBA band member Bjorn Ulvaeus has been granted a variance so he can build a home and studio on Sweden's Furillen island, a county official says.

Gotland County Gov. Mariane Samuelsson said Ulvaeus has been given an exception to government planning regulations that significantly limit what can be built on Swedish beaches and public coastal properties, the Swedish news agency TT reported Saturday.

Ulvaeus had received planning permission for his construction plans by a local housing committee, but the National Environmental Protection Agency appealed that ruling.

The former ABBA star's new home would be closer to the beach than any other Furillen property.

TT said Ulvaeus is responsible for writing the ABBA hit film "Mamma Mia!" with Benny Andersson.