It is further important that some elements of local control should be constrained by higher level priorities because local preferences for specific land uses may not be compatible with broader social welfare objectives. In Greater Clermont-Ferrand, specific local conditions provide important limitations and opportunities for development and hence for specific uses of land. The limitations imposed by this geographical feature has at the same time created the necessity to develop local and co-ordinated land use policies in order to avoid local competition and land use conflict.