Plans to build a treetop adventure course in one of Glasgow's favourite parks have got the go-ahead despite almost 900 objections.

Members of the city council planning committee today decided by 14 votes to six to approve the controversial Go Ape project in Pollok Park.

Earlier they had visited the site in the park's North Wood to see for themselves the impact it would have on vegetation and wildlife.

They were met by about 60 protesters from the Save Pollok Park campaign who claim the aerial adventure course will shatter the peace and quiet of the North Wood.

Many of them later packed a hearing in Glasgow's City Chambers when planners, objectors and bosses of Go Ape were allowed to state their case.

A total of 881 people formally objected to the plan although protesters claimed they have a petition with a further 4000 people against the scheme.

Opponents included Deputy First Minister and Glasgow Govan MSP Nicola Sturgeon, Tory MSP Bill Aitken, five community councils and the National Trust for Scotland.

There were also 148 submissions in favour of the plan which will result in 27 trees being felled and 54 trees planted in their place.

The hour-long meeting was told city planners, who have imposed 17 conditions on the scheme, believe the impact of Go Ape on Pollok Park will be "minimal".

But Bill Fraser, of the Save Pollok Park Campaign, said: "We are not against a Go Ape facility in Glasgow but this is the wrong place for it."

He claimed the car park at the Burrell Collection in the park was not big enough to take the extra traffic, that there would be insufficient toilets and the tranquillity of the park would be ruined -all claims disputed by Go Ape bosses.

Colin Deans, one of the three councillors for the area, backed the plan but admitted: "I don't think I have ever experienced so much sound and fury over a planning issue."

Go Ape Director Tristram Mayhew said a noise survey was carried out at one of their centres at Leeds Castle and no noise was heard 50m from the assault course.

He also claimed it would attract no more than 35 cars at peak and time and would be virtually invisible from the Burrell.

Go Ape has already agreed to offer 450 sessions free of charge to children but revealed the company is looking at increasing that number.

The planning application will now be referred to Scottish Ministers because of the level of objection and because the council has a financial interest in the scheme.