listed buildings
There is no specific duty on owners to keep listed buildings in a good state of repair but the Local Authority does have power to take action where an historic building has deteriorated to the extent that its preservation may be at risk - read roof about to fall in - literally!
If the Local Authority feel that a building is at risk of being lost (falling down), there are a number of courses of action they can pursue but the ultimate one if the owner refuses to do anything, is a compulsory purchase at the cost of the land only.
Normally they will do anything to avoid such a liability but will try to help with grants and advice, or by giving beneficial planning sweeteners. Sometimes the authorities themselves are far from blameless in letting listed buildings deteriorate.