Durham City Council says the move is to "enrich" the experience of existing residents and visitors.

The city is home to a World Heritage Site, the Norman Durham Cathedral and the city's castle.

Now the council says future major developments must set aside an area for public art within that particular site or elsewhere in the city.

The council said public art could include large free-standing pieces, or special lighting, landscaping or floor designs.

'Marvellous place'

It wants to encouraging developers to work with local and national artists.

Bob Wynn, portfolio holder on the council with responsibility for regeneration, said: "Durham is a marvellous place to live in or visit and its qualities are attracting increasing attention from developers.

"This policy will ensure that in future large new developments will be expected to go that little bit further and provide those features which stimulate our appreciation of the environment or help with funding local events.

"It is about enhancing the quality of life for us all and this initiative will ensure we can all benefit from new schemes".