Niseko Town Strengthens Development Regulations Mandatory Resident Consultations in the Initial Planning Stage

Niseko Real Estate Investment News
— Sharing tips on enjoying the resort life in Niseko and the latest investment opportunities directly from the region —

北海道新聞デジタル

ニセコ町、開発規制強化へ　基本構想段階で住民と意見交換義務化：北海道新聞デジタル

https://www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1131335/

【ニセコ】後志管内ニセコ町は5日、リゾートを含む町内での開発規制を強化する町景観条例の改正案を町議会に提出した。事業者が開発の基本構想段階から住民と意見交換することを義務化する。町によると、こうした規...

Perspective on the Niseko Real Estate Market

The results of the Niseko Town residents’ survey have made it clear that environmental conservation is a key issue for the town. In the past, developers often held resident briefing sessions as a formality, and as long as they could get through those meetings, they would later make design changes without proper consultation. There is an inherent conflict between the residents who deeply cherish Niseko’s stunning natural scenery and investors who are solely focused on returns.

Although there are various regulations in place, ultimately, as long as landowners follow the rules, developments that local residents dislike or oppose could not be stopped. As a result, some developers who prioritized only “profit” without understanding the local way of life caused issues such as inadequate snow removal.

With the recent strengthening of development regulations, early-stage discussions between developers and local residents are expected to foster mutual understanding. Determining what should be preserved and what should be changed, balancing town development with landscape conservation—these remain major challenges for Niseko, a town deeply tied to real estate.