The International Olympic Committee on Monday said it was very satisfied with the preparations for the London 2012 Games despite a barrage of media headlines questioning the budget, its legacy and political in-fighting.

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"We remain very satisfied with the state of planning," the official said. "We are fully confident that a professional job is being done by LOCOG (the London organising committee)."

In the past month, London's summer Games preparations have gone from spectacular to controversial as organisers squabble over the costs, politics and the legacy the Olympics will leave behind.

Until the October resignation of American businessman Jack Lemley as chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority, preparations appeared to be trouble-free.

But Lemley's sudden departure and consequent comments to an American newspaper that London was not moving fast enough sparked a media frenzy with progress overshadowed by questions over a potential budget rise, an unexpected VAT bill, increased security concerns and the size of the post-Games legacy for the capital.

The official said recent negative headlines were just part and parcel of the run-up to such a major event, which currently is well on track.

"We see the debate that is happening with a degree of perspective, knowing that it is part of the UK's democratic process to have in-depth discussions of this nature," the official said.

The IOC inspected London in October and also reviewed the finances for the Games.

It is expected to hear a progress report on Wednesday by its chief inspector for the London Games, Denis Oswald.

Oswald has praised London repeatedly, saying no other Olympic city had been as advanced in preparing for the Games as the British capital.

Meanwhile, the London Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) announced on Monday that the Aquatics Centre had become the first main venue in the Olympic Park to reach the detailed design stage.

The centre will consist of two 50-metre pools and a diving area but is smaller than originally intended after British government minister Tessa Jowell rejected the initial plans last December for being over-budget.

Contractors are preparing the site and construction will begin in mid-2008, the ODA said in a statement.