The document summarizes four case studies related to shale oil and gas exploration applications: 1) An application in Lancashire to extend monitoring of a shale gas well was approved with ecological mitigation measures. 2) An application in West Sussex to drill an exploratory borehole was refused due to failure to demonstrate benefits outweighing impacts to the protected landscape. 3) Another application in West Sussex was refused due to unsuitable access and impacts to residential amenity and character from traffic. 4) An application in Wrexham initially refused for being unsustainable and outside settlement limits was allowed on appeal, with the inspector rejecting the local authority's concerns.