5. Building and urban planning

5.1 Combating urban sprawl

Local authorities are faced with the economic, social and environmental consequences of urban sprawl. Urban planning must now give priority to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, controlling energy demand, saving fossil fuels and controlling network expansion costs, which are heavily influenced by urban sprawl. With almost 79,000 ha of agricultural land converted every year, France consumes proportionately more land than its demographic growth requires. Every ten years, the equivalent of the surface area of a département is taken from natural and agricultural areas. Another objective is therefore to curb the artificialization of agricultural and natural land. In addition, the remoteness of residential areas makes access to public services and facilities...