Best way to fix ceiling plaster problem

[SamARP]

I'm doing up an old house and the plaster ceiling is damaged near the water pipes (image attached and here: http://imgur.com/1ewa68Y). Ideally I'd like to avoid ripping the whole thing down and starting again, so what (if there is one) is the best way of fixing this?

Thanks

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

it depends on what, if anything you can bond or fix to. Problems is pipework contracts and expands, so you could repair and once any cold/hot water starts running the repair could crack. I would consider boxing the pipes in.