Summary of the January 2007 meetings of

Debenham Parish Council

Planning Applications

2701/06 Garden Plot, Deben Croft, Water Lane, Debenham. Single one and half storey dwelling. Recommended Refusal

3182/06 Land to the South of 20 – 21 Cross Green, Debenham. Proposed 1 ½ storey dwelling to replace redundant garage. Recommended Refusal

Parish Council Business

Police Report  The Council was informed of eleven reported crimes since the beginning of December 06. Four burglaries, two vehicle related, three assaults, one criminal damage and one indecent phone call. One of the vehicle crimes involved a Ford Fiesta being stolen from the Cross Green car park between the 2^nd and 3^rd January 07 and later being recovered burnt out in Norwich. This, along with the other reported crimes caused members particular concern and it was hoped these were isolated acts over the Christmas period and not a longer term trend. The Council urges anyone with any information of any criminal act or intention to act to contact the Community Hot Line telephone number on 01284 774029.

06 / 07 Year to Date Accounts. The Finance and Employment Committee reported to the meeting that they were happy with the year to date figures with the exception of the Legal and Professional budget which had incurred unavoidable expenditure. Council was informed that the annual expenditure in this budget was difficult to plan for as some future issues cannot be predicted. It was recommended that the overspend be recouped from underspends in other budget headings in order to reduce the impact on the 07/08 Precept request.

07 / 08 Precept  The Finance and Employment Committee reported that they were very mindful of the fact that, whilst there were unavoidable demands on the Council finances over the coming years, any increase in Precept must be minimised. The initial budget requests received in November 06 indicated a 15.5% increase on the 06 /07 Precept. However through due diligence and a lot of number crunching the Committee were pleased to announce that they had managed to limit the increase to 7.3%, whilst retaining the essential funding of future projects, achieved by making considered savings in other areas.

Inconsiderate Parking At the Parish Surgery on the 6^th January 07 a number of complaints were reported regarding inconsiderate parking on grass verges. Whilst members appreciated the difficulties of parking within the village, the Council respectfully requests that parishioners refrain from parking on grass verges  as it destroys the grass, degenerates the area and is a criminal offence.

Important Dates for your Diary:  Suffolk County Council Debenham Discovery Day 27^th January 07 10am to 4pm in Dove Cottage. An exciting opportunity to promote and improve our village – do bring you ideas along!

Date of Next Meetings-   Monday 12th February and Monday 19^th February 2007  .  Full Minutes, once approved can be viewed on the Website, in the Resource Centre and in the Post Office.