Specialist property and planning lawyer Carl Burton is joining the practice of Sussex law firm DMH as a partner.

Mr Burton, who specialises in all aspects of property development work including acquisitions, disposals and strategic options together with town and country planning matters, will join the firm's commercial property group based at Crawley.

He is bringing with him a team of 12 people, which includes five law practitioners, and a number of blue-chip property clients including Beazer Strategic Land, Crest Homes and Try Homes.

The appointments form the first part of DMH's plans to expand its Crawley office.

This stage of expansion will also see chartered town planner Martin Carpenter, who is a director of the firm's substantial planning group, relocating to Crawley.

DMH managing partner Tim Aspinall is confident these developments will give the firm a competitive edge in the area.

He said: "Carl and Martin are both vastly experienced in their respective areas.

"Their combined range and depth of skills will enable the firm to offer clients an unmatched level of service and a one-stop shop for all commercial property and planning matters at Crawley, as is already provided by the firm's Brighton office."