The firm said it would now start work on the £95m project to double production capacity at its Desford plant, subject to conditions and a legal agreement.

The major investment will transform the Desford facility into both the largest and most efficient brick factory in Europe, increasing production capacity from 85m bricks to 180m bricks annually.

This is enough to build 24,000 average-sized family homes. On a company-wide scale, this will increase our overall brick production capacity by 16% to around 700m bricks a year by 2022.

The new plant will be built alongside the current factory, to ensure current production is maintained.

Situated just two miles from the M1 with excellent transport links, the modernised Desford site will offer a range of red and buff bricks designed to meet the demands of house builders.

Chief Executive Stephen Harrison said: “As one of Britain’s biggest manufacturers of building products, we endeavour to set the benchmark in terms of manufacturing efficiency, output and sustainability.

“In keeping with our strategic focus on manufacturing excellence, our new facility’s modern manufacturing methods will allow us to respond to our customers’ increasing demand for products as the rate of housebuilding continues to accelerate nationwide.

“We have every confidence that this project marks a sound, long-term investment in the future of both Forterra and UK housebuilding.”