It could well be they were not fully dry also like other answers something behind them, you could use a blocker but that's just masking the issue. Just realised you said a new room is this an extension so first time plastered if so is the rooom now heated and been lived in ? or an existing room...
If the cost isn't the issue always go for a full ceiling, patching is Ok to a point and has its advantages in terms of less mess or disruption. Seeing you have had a chimney removed the mess shouldn't be the issue there are some good price costs and guides here and also this one is repairing an...