In general, there are benefits and problems with sprawl and compact growth. Neither is perfect. How one emphasizes the good and bad of each is where the arguments rise.
Sprawl offers cheap land (often productive farmland), lowering building costs while providing more open development with single family housing that many people enjoy and even see as a sign of "making it". Neighborhoods also have more control over the social climate with more homogeneity. But it also requires large amounts of land, longer commute times (pollution and cost), longer bus routes, longer distances to provide city services and often a sense of isolation (some people like that).
Compact growth saves arable land, encourages alternative transit, reduces pollution, increases a neighborhood feel, is less costly for city services, adds diversity and supports local retail. But it creates congestion, makes parking more difficult, forces encounters with "strange" people,  & housing is often costly.
Which is better?