The Chippenham-based firm specialises in asthma inhalers and is understood to have Willmott Dixon lined up to build its planned 10,000m² Inhalation Centre of Excellence.

The £58m project will be built at Bristol & Bath Science Park, with Wilmmott Dixon expected to start construction in early 2023.

Michael Austwick, chief executive officer at Vectura, said: “We are delighted that our plans to build a world-leading science facility have been approved by South Gloucestershire Council.

“The new-build will enable our already successful pharmaceutical company to continue and expand upon its vital work, providing innovative inhalation and other advanced drug delivery solutions that have the potential to improve the lives of patients around the world.

“For nearly 25 years, Vectura has been providing a combination of formulation science, device technology and pharmaceutical development expertise, helping our partners and licensees develop products which are used by 10 million patients worldwide.

“This new facility will help us to build on this successful track record, increasing workspace capacity and attracting talent to the area.”

Last September Vectura was acquired by tobacco giant Philip Morris in a £1bn deal.