ᐅ Continue Using an Old Basement After Demolishing the House?

It is possible that the local building authority (LRA) will require us to demolish our current house after the new one is built (the setback distances are slightly undercut).
One of the many considerations we have is whether we should/could keep the basement (possibly for storing garden vegetables). Since we live right next door, it might prove to be practical.
Another idea is to have a natural pond or pool in the future. Could the basement walls be left standing and the excavation used for that purpose?
I would like to know if these ideas are practical or just silly 😉

Is it underground or above ground

We had left the old barn cellar standing – completely above ground – and in the neighboring village, there is an old sandstone cellar that is partially underground.

I would not keep a large, fully underground structure.

The basement is completely underground. My husband also says he wouldn't keep it—at most, use it as a pit for the pond.