CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a treetop adventure course in Pollok Park were given the go-ahead today - despite almost 900 objections.

Glasgow City Council's planning committee decided by 14 votes to six to approve the Go Ape course after having walked the course to see the impact it would have on vegetation and wildlife.

They were met by about 60 protesters from the Save Pollok Park campaign, which claims the course will shatter the peace and quiet of the North Wood.

Many of the protesters later packed a hearing in the 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 said they had a petition with a further 4000 people against the scheme.

Opponents included Deputy First Minister 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 being planted in their place.

The hour-long meeting was told that planners, who have imposed 17 conditions on the scheme, believe the impact of Go Ape 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 said the car park at the Burrell Museum was not big enough to take the extra traffic; that there would be insufficient toilets; and the tranquillity of the park would be ruined.

These claims were disputed by Go Ape bosses.

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

Tristram Mayhew, a director for Go Ape, said a noise survey was carried out at one of the firm's centres at Leeds Castle and no noise was heard 50 yards from the adventure course.

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

Go Ape had already agreed to offer 450 sessions free to children, but the company said it was looking at increasing that number.

Adults using the course will pay £25, while the usual charge for children will be £20.

The planning application will now be referred to Scottish ministers because of the level of objection and because the council will receive money from the scheme.