There's nothing like a bit of controversy to get the juices flowing, and the giant white horse, Kent's proposed new landmark, has certainly done that. Gill Lamprell of Knight Frank reports

Mark Wallinger's white horse has divided opinions across the county; some see it as a waste of money and a design with little imagination, but others believe it is a meaningful symbol that represents Kent.

Whatever people think of it, what it has done is draw people's attention to the county. Should it be built, it will firmly put Kent – and Ebbsfleet – on the map, attracting people from far and wide, which can only be good for the region's economy.

You only have to look around to see the difference public art makes; one of the most prominent and recent examples in the area is A Different Ball Game – the striking silver statue at the entrance to Kings Hill, near West Malling. It's eye catching, thought provoking and provides a talking point, and has become the recognised symbol of Kings Hill.

Kent County Council is keen to advocate and promote the benefits of public art in creating a sense of place in new communities, and together with Liberty Property Trust, is working hard to encourage art in new developments, promoting large-scale investment in good design, green space, cultural provision and other forms of public art.

They are inviting nominations for The Rouse Kent Public Art Award, which for the last 17 years has acknowledged the best example of public art commissioned and completed in Kent that year. In 2007, a homebuilder category was added to the award to encourage developers to commission public art in new projects.

The introduction of such a category is great. I believe that art should be encouraged in new developments. With its power to transform environments and engage people, ultimately, public art helps make Kent a more attractive place to live and work.

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