Plans for a business improvement district on Plymouth's waterfront will be put to a ballot in February 2012.

The Waterfront Partnership voted on the proposals last night.

If approved next year, it means businesses will pay a levy to have a greater say on how the area is run.

A draft business plan has been put to firms over the last couple of months and a final plan will be published in the New Year.

Of the six million pound budget, one million would be contributed by businesses themselves, with an average cost of around three hundred and fifty pounds a year but only 44% of those asked said they felt the proposed costs to businesses were fair.

Waterfront manager Sarah O'Leary says they hope firms will sign up so they can work on promoting the area and holding more events.