A specialist Birmingham law firm has taken on two new solicitors to assist with the volume and complexity of planning and land-use related work.

The John Hughes Law Practice in Temple Row has appointed Matthew Barrett, former legal services manager at Cannock Chase District Council, for his long experience of local authority issues.

Many SMEs and private householders seek assistance from the city-centre practice in pursuing appeals against planning refusals or enforcement action, or conversely in opposing proposed developments.

The practice also advises on rights to object to compulsory purchase orders and how to maximise compensation for compulsory acquisition or for other losses caused by public schemes.

They advise on regulatory requirements, and frequently defend in legal proceedings brought by public authorities under public health and environmental legislation.

Shelley Glass fills a new position as a property litigator.

She moves from private practice in Bristol and will concentrate on the many disputes over land which have now become about a third of the practice workload.

These range from boundary or party wall disputes, and trespass and nuisance claims, to applications to register "squatters rights".

John Hughes, practice principal, said: "Although we started as a planning practice, we have found property disputes a growing area of demand.

"Procedures like applying for planning permission often lead to questions over rights of ownership, where the boundaries actually fall, and other issues of a property nature.

"Even as a small practice in a niche market, I have found it essential to sub-specialise to meet the needs of clients coming to us."