A GROUND-BREAKING policy was accepted yesterday that could transform the design of buildings and the way in which public space is developed.

Hambleton district councillors have given their backing to a public arts policy in the hope it will help create unique features and encourage tourism at the same time as developing creative skills in the local community.

The policy means the council will give more consideration to the arts when designing new buildings and regenerating old areas, with arts officers working alongside planning officers to make sure applications come up to scratch.

The policy has been developed in partnership with several groups, including the Yorkshire branch of the Arts Council England, and encourages artists, architects, landscape architects and engineers to work collaboratively on schemes.

It also looks at the quality of visual arts, the involvement of local communities and the effect that art can have on education, the environment and the economy.

But officers said it was not as simple as putting up statues in public places.

The arts developments officer at Hambleton District Council, Kate Staines, said: "It is not necessarily about bunging a statue in the middle of a housing estate.

"It is about integrating and could be something like the way that the bricks are placed through a building.

"Getting the local community involved is very important.

"Public arts is quite an emotive subject and we do not want to make the public feel that a piece of art has been imposed on them.

"They need to feel a sense of ownership and it is imperative that they are involved through the whole process."

Widespread consultation was carried out on the policy, with people expressing concern that art should complement its surroundings, and that local artists should be encouraged.

The district council's director of planning and environmental services, Steve Quartermain, said: "The council is committed to involving individuals and groups from the local community, developing their skills and creative capacity."