A proposal to build a posh private lounge at Los Angeles International Airport for Southern California’s glitterati was approved Thursday in a move that officials hope will reduce disturbances by paparazzi, looky-loos and autograph-seekers in the busy central terminal area.

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Airport officials say the lounge will be located in a converted cargo facility at 6851 West Imperial Highway, next to the airport's southernmost runway. The proposed project includes a 43,750-square-foot building and a 13,840-square-foot parking lot.

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Similar facilities exist at international airports in Amsterdam; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; London; Moscow; Paris; Frankfurt, Germany; Madrid and other major cities.

Airport officials say the LAX lounge will be built and operated by Gavin de Becker and Associates, an L.A.-based security firm with an elite clientele. The firm plans to open the lounge in six to eight months, first in a temporary facility while the permanent site is prepared.

The company would be responsible for investing at least $3 million to renovate the property and manage the lounge during the 10-year lease.

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