On mine (2014 S-type with Kinetics 8-speed kit):
- Is normal for the spokes on the front wheel to touch the bolt on the rear wheel axle, when folded?
Yes. The Sturmey axle nuts stick out quite a way, and the right side one nestles between the front spokes when folded. If it ends up wedged against one during the fold, you need to notice and give the wheel a nudge, rather than forcing it and bending the spoke.
If this is a problem, then a conventional nut might allow it to clear the spokes?
- Is it normal that the front brake cable outer, where the outer hits the front brake caliper barrel adjuster, touch and leans on the chain when folded?
No, the chain's about 15mm from the cable in the 39T chainring
[1], and a couple of inches away in the 28T chainring. The barrel adjuster is at the lever, so nowhere near.
Evidently your brakes are an older version, which may make a difference. Your chain tensioner may be an older design, too (mine is based on the dérailleur Brompton tensioner, with spacers to adjust for the new chainline, but I've seen photos where the tensioner looked like the single-speed one hacked with a bit of aluminium angle). Theoretically if my chain were shorter, it would contact the brake cable when folded, but the bike wouldn't then be able to unfold.
I've also modified the cable lengths on mine to allow for a handlebar mod, though the front cable outer downstream of the cable-gatherer is original, so this loop ought to be standard.
Perhaps quixoticgeek or velovoice could provide further enlightenment...
[1] On the standard Sturmey Archer 33T chainset I'd expect the tension to be similar to this, but with the chain resting fractionally lower, on account of the smaller diameter ring.