(Adds reactions)

The government's decision to reject plans for a shooting range at Busbesija near Mt St Joseph retreat home has been welcomed with surprise by the developers and with relief by the Jesuits who run the home.

The Sunday Times of Malta revealed that the government - which had issued a call for proposals for development as Busbesija -  had rejected the plans because they failed financial requirements.

Plans for the shooting range had raised a storm of protest because it threatened to destroy the peaceful harmony of the area.

Yet it was not those concerns that led to the project’s dismissal. Its proponents, the Russian owned U-Group, failed the due diligence process conducted prior to the project’s approval because of financial considerations.

The government will now move to the next preferred bidder. The next bidder had proposed a retreat home with agritourism activities. This project has yet to undergo environmental and social assessments.

DEVELOPERS' REACTION

In a statement U-Group said it was not informed by the government of any decision and this information took it by surprise.

It said it was never asked for any clarifications on its submissions by any government representative along the lines being reported.

U-Group said it would be very surprised if any decisions or issues were communicated to the media by the government but not to the investors.

Meanwhile, Fr Patrick Magro, who heads the Mt St Joseph Retreat House said the news that the shooting range plans had been rejected had been confirmed to him and he welcomed the development.

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