Wiring 'safe Zones' near a consumer unit. Pedantic concern after inspection.

A friend has had some wiring inspected (it is a DIY job seeking building regs approval) and has been advised post first fix visit that he should not route a cable concealed in a wall downwards from a fairly high up consumer unit, without armour or protection, as

' there is no safe zone for a consumer unit, that's only applied for switches and sockets'.

Personally I'd disagree, and advise him to contest that claim but what are folk actually taught ?

We'll ignore that it is also an SWA cable for now, as the "exam question" in my post is would consumer units not be expected to have wires near them, and so not need  wiring zones like any other electrical fixture ?


Opinions sought, contrary or supporting.

Cheers

Mike