Do the Building Regulations apply to garden or boundary walls?

No- The Building Regulations do not apply if you want to build or alter a garden or boundary wall unless it also forms part of the building. A gable wall to a house could also be a boundary wall but if it is just a wall then no. You should make sure that the work is done safely to avoid accidents. You may also need to consider the Party Wall Act under which you must give notice to adjoining owners.

Building a garden wall can present a danger if not built properly and existing walls should be maintained in a safe condition. The Local Authority has powers to make safe dangerous structures such as unstable boundary walls, the cost being met by the owner.

The boundary wall in the photo does not require Building Regulation approval to take down or rebuild but the Party Wall Act does. The wall in its present condition is in danger of collapse and is under going remedial works.