They had hoped that a walk among the pine trees and the bluebells would be enough to persuade councillors that the tranquility of Pollok Park should not be disturbed. But campaigners against plans for tree-top assault course within one of Scotland's historic parks were mistaken.

The members of Glasgow City Council's Planning Committee yesterday voted 14 to 6 in favour of Go Ape's application to install zip slides and rope swings in the treetops of the North Wood of Pollok Park.

The council received 881 written objections to the planning application, from park goers who feel the course will be noisy, expensive, and will ruin the experience of visitors to the Burrell Collection gallery.

But, on balance, the majority of the committee was convinced the adventure course will enhance Europe's Best Park by offering physical activities for families and, in particular, older teenagers - something park managers feel is lacking.

Go Ape director Jerome Mayhew argued the 881 who objected were outnumbered by "tens of thousands" of others who would enjoy the adventure course each year.

The decision to approve a 21-year lease was criticised yesterday by campaigners Save Pollok Park, who called on Scottish ministers to overturn the decision, which they are obliged to scrutinise as the council has a financial interest.

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.

"We now ask the Scottish Government to call in this application because it raises important issues about how the decision was made.

"Nearly 900 written objections, thousands of park users who turned up at public events and over 4000 signatures to our petition justify this demand."

The result was also condemned by Nicola Sturgeon, MSP for Govan and Deputy First Minister.

She said: "The public consultation carried out by the council was, in my view, inadequate and I would now urge Go Ape to carry out another public consultation before proceeding any further."

The day began with a turbulent site visit where councillors touring the woods were heckled by protesters who felt their views had not been listened to.

Ronan Paddison, 60, from Pollokshields, said: "This is the last substantial area of peaceful woodland left in Pollok Park. It's magical. But this is all going to change."

Campaigners held a banner in the spot where the Go Ape Cabin would be built, 30 yards from the Burrell Collection, to illustrate that it would be clearly visible through the glass gallery wall - the Burrell's unique design feature.

Jenny MacKinnon, from Strathbungo, said: "Do you think if the Burrell Architects were choosing their site now, they would place the museum next to an adventure course?"

At the subsequent hearing in Chambers, Go Ape explained to the committee that their facility helps young people engage in physical activity and combats the "cotton wool culture" that is developing in Britain.

Mr Mayhew told the committee he respected the views of park goers who would prefer the woods to remain as they are, but he felt many of the 881 objections were in fact based on "misinformation".

Local ward Councillor Colin Deans was invited to address the committee and told the members he was "shocked at the protesters' lack of faith in the team that made Pollok Europe's Best Park".

He said: "Do not be scared off by these protesters. They are the same people who opposed the kids playground, the mountain bike track and even the Burrell Collection. They oppose almost anything."