There are a number of basic approaches and considerations around designing a growing patch.
General advice http://www.growveg.com/growblogpost.aspx?id=183
Crop rotation https://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=124
Companion planting http://www.the-gardeners-calendar.co.uk/companion_planting/
Gardening in a changing climate http://www.organicauthority.com/organic-gardening/climate-change-gardening.html
Square Foot / Metre gardening http://www.growveg.com/growblogpost.aspx?id=148
Permaculture gardens http://deepgreenpermaculture.com/diy-instructions/starting-your-permaculture-garden/
and http://permaculturenews.org/2010/10/08/how-to-build-a-permaculture-vegetable-garden/
Allotment design http://www.myallotmentgarden.co.uk/starting-an-allotment/allotment-planning/
and http://www.cottagesmallholder.com/how-to-design-your-allotment-layout-7477/
Starting an allotment https://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=84
Edible plants (see also Shopping and Sharing)
7000 Edible and Medicinal Plants – Plants for a Future Database http://www.pfaf.org/user/plantsearch.aspx
Design consultancy
These local organisations can provide design consultancy:
Hyde Park Source http://www.hydeparksource.org
TCV design http://www.tcv.org.uk/urbanecology/environmental-design
Groundwork http://www.yorkshire.groundwork.org.uk/what-we-do/improving-open-spaces/landscape-design-skills.aspx
Leeds Beckett Landscape Architecture Design and Community http://www.leedsmet.ac.uk/as/ald/landscape-design-and-community.htm
Edible Cities http://ediblecities.co.uk/
Leeds Permaculture Network http://www.leedspermaculturenetwork.org/
Please advise of any broken links, or links you think should be included here