The Lands Tribunal on Tuesday approved a government application to dissolve the management committee of the Wang Fuk Court owners’ corporation.

It agreed with the administration's argument that the aftermath of the deadly fire at the estate is too much for homeowners to handle.

The court noted that Hop On Management, a property management company under the Chinachem Group, will be taking over "indefinitely".

The tribunal's presiding officer, Michelle Lam, said this will provide a more systemic and professional management of the residential blocks.

She said the firm will hold regular meetings with homeowners, and will not charge them for services.

The firm will have HK$10 million, instead of HK$5 million, to work with on matters related to the estate, and will file reports to the government every month.

However, the judge rejected the government's request for the firm to file reports to the tribunal as well, saying the court needs to ensure impartiality and fairness in the event it has to handle matters involving the Tai Po estate down the line.

Before granting the application, the tribunal heard that the applicant, home affairs minister Alice Mak, had stressed that the only reason for the change is to protect the rights and interests of Wang Fuk Court residents.

Mak's lawyers said Wang Fuk residents and the government can seek to remove the company if there are grounds to do so.

The lawyers added that the administration is aware of different voices and concerns about the development, and stressed the government is of the view that the aftermath is too complicated for residents to handle.