The decision means that if the city's bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games is successful, diving - which is enjoying a golden period in Britain thanks to the success of teenager Tom Daley - will not be part of the event.

Birmingham Aquatics and Leisure Centre (BALC) has been designed with a future Commonwealth Games bid in mind.

Martin Mullaney, the Birmingham City Council member for sport, denied that the decision would harm any proposed bid.

"Diving is now an optional sport for the Commonwealth Games," he said.

"We do not need a diving pool at the BALC.

"We can bring down the ceiling and the pool does not have to be so deep."

Mullaney said he had the support of the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) for the changes to the BALC, which they plan to build near the National Indoor Arena.

Along with the decision not to build a fun pool as part of the complex, not including a diving pool will save Birmingham City Council up to £30 million ($46 million), Mullaney claimed.

The decision has been criticised by Sir Albert Bore, the leader of the opposition Labour Party.

"Taking out the diving area seems a silly decision at a time when Britain has a diving world champion [Daley]," he said.

"I am surprised the ASA has gone along with this.

"It seems very short sighted."


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