A method for developing a printing plate precursor comprises the step of immersing the precursor in an aqueous alkaline developing solution comprising a (co) polymer comprising a monomeric unit which is represented by the following formula (I): wherein L is a linking group; R1, R2 and R3 independently represent hydrogen or an alkyl group; R4 represents an optionally substituted hydroxyaryl group; x= 0 or 1; y= 0 or 1 and when y= 0 then x= 1 and L is further bound to C* to form a cyclic structure.