Buildings and structures of special architectural or historic interest that have been placed on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. The statutory body maintaining the list in England is English Heritage.There are three types of listed status for buildings in England and Wales, Grade I: buildings of exceptional interest, Grade II*: particularly important buildings of more than special interest and Grade II: buildings that are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them. The list is used to help the planning authority make decisions with the interests of the historic environment clearly identified. A listed building may not be demolished, extended, or altered without special permission from the local planning authority, which typically consults the relevant central government agency, particularly for significant alterations to the more notable listed buildings. Owners of listed buildings are, in some circumstances, compelled to repair and maintain them and can face criminal prosecution if they fail to do so or if they perform unauthorised alterations.