A Charlottetown company has lost its latest appeal to prevent apartment buildings from going up next to its chemical plant in the north end of Charlottetown.

Plant operator BioVectra had appealed the City of Charlottetown's decision to allow the buildings to the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission, arguing it is not safe to put apartments so close to its plant.

"People have to understand that there is a risk in locating residential properties close to facilities such as ours, which is a chemical manufacturing facility," said BioVectra CEO Ron Keefe. "I think the next step for the city is to advise the residents close to our facilitiy as to how they intend to deal with emergencies and just to make sure that everyone is safe."

But IRAC found in a decision released Thursday the proposed apartment buildings would not be "detrimental to the convenience, health or safety of the occupants or residents in the vicinity or the general public."

IRAC agreed the location is not ideal, but pointed out the buildings meet or exceed code requirements.

IRAC commended the city for taking a firm approach to risk assessment and public safety in the development.

Keefe said BioVectra would not be making any further appeals. He says he hopes city officials will remember this fight before giving approval to similar developments in the future.